I have been contacted by a large number of residents who raised their concerns with me that the use of neonicotinoids should be restricted. I am pleased to confirm that tougher restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides are justified by the growing weight of scientific evidence they are harmful to bees and other pollinators and as a result the government is seeking to strengthen the restrictions.
This follows advice from the UK government's advisory body on pesticides which said scientific evidence now suggests the environmental risks posed by neonicotinoids, particularly to our bees and pollinators, are greater than previously understood, supporting the case for further restrictions. I have raised this matter with the government on a number of occasions and I am pleased that they have listened and kept this matter under careful review.
This is another step in the right direction and I am grateful that so many residents have taken the time to raise this matter with me.