'Bee-killing' pesticide now will not be used on UK sugar beet fields
Written by Mattha Busby
Government reversed a ban on a neonicotinoid earlier this year - but says chemical was not needed
A pesticide which reduces bee populations and was to be used in England’s sugar beet fields this year will not be used after recent cold weather killed off virus-transmitting aphids.
The government broke an explicit pledge earlier this year when it reversed a ban on a product containing the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam, sanctioning its emergency outdoors use this year because of the threat posed by a virus after pressure from the National Farmers’ Union and British Sugar.
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