UK objects to pesticide ban in gardens

The UK government has refused to acknowledge the case for a ban on three neonicotinoid pesticides being used in domestic gardens. Nevertheless, the policy will be implemented, as required by the EU.

Responding to a report from the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, the government repeated its view that there was insufficient evidence to justify restricting use of clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, particularly in private gardens.

Meanwhile, the manufacturers of the restricted compounds, Syngenta and Bayer, are mounting a legal campaign against the EU moratorium. This has prompted over 200,000 environmental activists to sign an online petition urging the companies to drop the suit.