Dear Bella Sankey,

We write to ask that you urgently cancel your plan to reintroduce toxic, carcinogenic weedkillers in Brighton and Hove.  

Glyphosate is a toxic weedkiller that is believed to be carcinogenic in humans and destructive to the natural environment and wildlife.  In 2019, Brighton and Hove City Council pledged to become glyphosate free by 2022, introducing a three-year phased plan to stop using glyphosate in the city’s parks, open spaces and pavements.  

Brighton and Hove City Council is now proposing to reintroduce the use of toxic glyphosates on our pavements and verges. 

There is evidence to suggest that in the years since 2019, biodiversity in Brighton and Hove has improved, for example, the starling, hedgehog and sparrow population.  By creating and supporting biodiverse green spaces in the city, Brighton and Hove City Council is enabling vulnerable people to access nature.   Glyphosates have been described as likely carcinogens by the World Health Organisation.  The reintroduction of glyphosates in Brighton and Hove would put people and nature at risk. 

You will say that you need to keep pavement weeds under control and we do recognise how important it is to ensure safe pavements, especially for residents with mobility challenges. However, we believe that an effective, organic, integrated weed management strategy is possible.  This must be further explored. 

We recognise that organic methods are not as successful at eradicating weeds as toxic weedkiller.  However, the total eradication of weeds should not be our goal.  

We can do better than this.  We urge you to cancel your plans to reintroduce toxic, carcinogenic weedkiller to Brighton and Hove.