'Bee-killing' pesticide now will not be used on UK sugar beet fields

Government reversed a ban on a neonicotinoid earlier this year - but says chemical was not neededA 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. Continue reading...