SO AT last, the Government has said that bee-harming pesticides should be banned.

Michael Gove, secretary of state for the environment, has said he will back the banning of neonicotinoids, pesticides blamed for the dramatic decline in bee populations.

I’m pleased to see Defra has finally heeded warnings from environmental scientists about the risks to bees. Neonicotinoids affect bees’ reproduction and their ability to work as pollinators.

Scientists internationally have reported dramatic declines in the populations of bees. It’s a warning sign that can’t be ignored. 

Farmers often say that they are dependent on many pesticides, but over a third of all our food depends on bees as pollinators.

Labour party policy has recognised bees’ role at the heart of eco-systems, and has called for tight restrictions on neonicotinoids.

Now Michael Gove pledge is the news environmentalists have been waiting for – but it has been a long time coming. 

Finally wildlife and our ecological well-being have been given priority, ahead of big agribusiness.

Ultimately that will benefit us all – safe food production does not exist in a vacuum. Of course, Stroud has long since been aware of this.

Back in 2011, Stroud became the world’s first Bee Guardian Town, with bee-friendly practices introduced for the town’s green spaces.

It’s heartening to see the government have finally followed suit. I hope they follow through their commitment to long-term environmental. But it’s sad that it has taken so long for the campaign to result in action.

I hope Defra continues to heed scientific advice. 

Next on the list should be a review of the badger cull.