CAMPAIGN Stop the neonics
n By Hajera Blagg
Victory for the bees
Labour sees sense and says no to neonics use on beet lifelines
Unite praised the Labour government for refusing to approve an application for the emergency use of a neonicotinoid on sugar beet.
The government also confirmed it will fully ban neonicotinoids, which are toxic to bees and other vital pollinators, in line with a European Union (EU) ban.
As Landworker highlighted in our previous edition, critics had raised concerns that the Labour government was reportedly considering approving the emergency use of neonicotinoid Cruiser B on sugar beet to control aphids carrying the virus yellows disease. The application for emergency use had been made by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and British Sugar.
Approving its use would have followed in the footsteps of the previous Tory government, which had approved emergency use of the same neonicotinoid every single year since 2021, despite the pesticides technically being banned in the UK.
Neonicotinoids have been banned in the EU and the UK since 2018 because of the high risk they pose to bee populations. A University of Sussex bee expert, Professor Dave Goulson, claimed that one teaspoon of the pesticide is enough to kill over a billion bees.
At the time, Unite member and Commonwealth War Graves gardener Paul Gibson, who is also a beekeeper, warned the government risked going back on its promises if it approved emergency use.
In response to the latest news, Paul welcomed the announcement, especially at time when bees are feeding on oilseed rape – a primary source of nectar – which is often affected by neonicotinoid use.
“I think it is wonderful news especially as oilseed rape is one of the most proficient producers of nectar, helping bee colonies build up in the spring at a critical time,” he said. “With the outlawing of neonicotinoids in line with the rest of Europe, it can only be positive.
29 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2025
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It is heartening to see the Labour government is listening to the choir of voices calling out for a full ban of this harmful class of pesticides, no exceptions
Bev Clarkson, Unite national officer
“It is great that the Labour government is doing the right thing, which has exposed the previous Tory government’s lies that Brexit would not lead to a lowering of standards,” Paul added. “Finally, Labour is standing up to big business and putting people and the environment first.”
Commenting on the government announcement, environment minister Emma Hardy said with Britain being one of the “most nature depleted countries in the world”, the Labour government was “committed to protecting bees from toxic neonicotinoid pesticides, while working with our farmers to find new ways to protect crops and support a profitable farming sector”.
Unite national officer for food, drink and agriculture (FDA) Bev Clarkson likewise welcomed the news.
“It is heartening to see that the Labour government is listening to the choir of voices calling out for a full ban of this harmful class of pesticides, no exceptions,” Bev said.
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Alamy
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