The widespread use of neonicitinoid pesticides have been banned in the UK and the EU since 2013 due to the catastrophic harm they are known to cause to wildlife, particularly to bees. However, due to global warming there has been an increase in the number of aphids in recent years, which can have a devastating affect on crop yield and governments had resorted to allowing emergency use of this deadly pesticide. Although the EU put an end to this in 2022, the UK continues to issue ‘emergency’ authorisation each year with no alternatives for the future.

The UK government have recently approved the use of neonicitinoids again, for UK sugar beet farmers. This decision is alarming and poses significant risks to our environment and public health. Neonicotinoids are known to be incredibly harmful to bees, which play a crucial role in pollination and our food security. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), these pesticides represent a serious risk to wild bees and honeybees. Furthermore, they can also contaminate our water sources and soil, leading to long-term environmental damage. 

British Sugar, one of the largest sugar producers in the UK, should be compelled by law not only to stop using this harmful pesticide but also offer an alternative for farmers that is safer for both people and wildlife alike.

We need your support now more than ever as we call on the UK government to end this dangerous practice immediately. We must protect our environment from further harm while ensuring that sustainable farming practices are adopted across all sectors of British agriculture.

Sign this petition today if you believe in safeguarding our environment from harmful pesticides!