The 2013 decision to ban three neonicotinoid pesticides, introduced in Europe against the wishes of the Government, was the right approach given the requirements of the precautionary principle. The Government continues to interpret that principle as encompassing economic as well as environmental considerations. We do not agree. However, if the Government insists on doing so, it should follow its own argument by being able to clearly demonstrate not just the impact of neonicotinoids on pollinators, but also the benefits or otherwise of using them on crop yields and the possible cost of reduced pollination services.
