Government response to pesticide consultation fails to deliver protection for people and environment E-mail
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The publication of the UK Government response to the implementation of the EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (SUD) has been met with disappointment by the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK).
“The hopes of David Cameron for this to be ‘the greenest government ever’, are completely undermined by this disgraceful response to the public consultation issued by DEFRA today”, said Nick Mole, Policy Officer at PAN UK.

 

 

The SUD is a progressive piece of EU legislation designed to reduce the risk of harm to humans and the environment from the use of pesticides. The Articles contained within the SUD covered a wide range of issues including training, information provision to the public, minimising and prohibiting the use of pesticides in specific areas and integrated pest management (IPM). The SUD is not a binding EU law but is open to interpretation on how it is implemented by individual Member States, although they must adhere to the spirit and meaning of the Directive and meet the required aims of the Directive.

 

PAN UK has been calling on the UK government to adopt a range of measures under the SUD that would see the UK at the forefront of pesticide regulation in Europe. The key demands made by PAN UK are for:

 

  • A targeted use reduction of pesticides deemed to be toxic to bees and other pollinator species

  • A prohibition on the use of pesticides in areas frequented by vulnerable groups such as parks, hospitals and schools

  • Mandatory prior notification of spraying events

  • The introduction of a robust IPM regime with full government support for farmers

Sadly none of the above were included in the plans outlined and DEFRA has seen fit to tinker with a few minor matters only and state that “As UK pesticides safety standards are already amongst the highest in Europe, only minor changes are necessary to meet the new requirements”.1 It is fair to say that the UK is ahead of many of its EU partners on a number of issues but this should be no reason for complacency. We are still among the most intensive users of pesticides in Europe and this legislation should be seen as an opportunity to forge ahead with a far reaching and truly progressive policy on pesticides.

 

It seems to be business as usual for DEFRA; an ideological dislike of new regulation, a business friendly approach and a complete neglect for public opinion.

 

It is also not clear, despite the assertions of the DEFRA Minister, Lord Henley, that the approach being adopted will meet the EU requirements for implementing the SUD. If the UK fails to meet the necessary standards for implementation they could be leaving themselves open to censure and possible fines from the European Commission. “PAN UK will be looking very closely at how the UK implements the SUD and if there is any suspicion that the measures do not go far enough we will pursue the issue at EU level”, said Nick Mole.

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