Rt Hon Michael Gove MP                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Secretary of State for the Environment and Rural Affairs

Dear Michael,

I am writing to express my concern that Conservative MEPs have been leading efforts to try to prevent a complete EU ban on bee harming pesticides, and to clarify your position on the use of neonicotinoids.

As you will know, bees are a critical part of the UK’s ecosystem, and it is vital that we work to secure a thriving and vibrant bee population. A growing body of evidence now exists that details the disastrous impact of certain pesticides on bee populations. In particular, rigorous and independent studies have shown that neonicotinoids reduce the number of bumblebee queens produced[1], as well as severely cutting the survival and reproduction of honeybee queens[2]. Research published in July 2016 showed how neonicotinoids negatively affect male bee fertility[3].  A study from May 2017, consisting of field research from 33 different farmlands in the UK, Hungary and Germany, found that neonicotinoids had negative effects in both the UK and in Hungary, with honey bee populations in Hungary declining by 24% as a result of the use of certain types of neonicotinoids. Indeed, it is these well documented dangers associated with neonicotinoids that led the European Commission to recommend a total ban on bee-killing pesticides.

Partial EU bans on neonicotinoids have helped to defend European bee populations since 2013, and the proposed new ban would additionally limit the use of neonicotinoids everywhere other than greenhouses, therefore protecting bees even further. It was therefore very disappointing to see Julie Girling MEP’s bid to prevent bees and other pollinators being afforded the protection they require. Whilst she was voted down by other members of the EU Environment Committee, I’d like to seek your assurances that Conservative MEPs, MPs and Ministers will not continue trying to block an extended ban on the use of neonicotinoids and will, rather, seek to uphold the strong scientific evidence that supports the EU’s actions.

When you were appointed to your new role as Secretary of State you advised that you did not want to “water down” EU environmental protections. Please will you confirm whether this statement applied to those protections designed to keep our bee populations safe, and whether your Government will robustly defend the current and proposed EU bans on neonicotinoids post Brexit?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas.