Robert Sturdy presents pesticide peition letter to 10 Downing Street
PHOTO CALL: The media are invited to join Robert Sturdy, James Paice and Dr Ian Denholm at 10 Downing Street on Thursday, 11 December at 11 am.
Robert Sturdy and JamtEuro-MP Robert Sturdy will this week present a letter of petition to 10 Downing Street urging UK Ministers to call upon the European Council to carry out a Europe-wide impact assessement on new pesticide legislation which could devastate the agriculutural industry.
He will be joined by James Paice MP, Shadow Agricultural Minister, and Dr Ian Denholm, a scientist from Rothamsted Research, who will be presenting a separate petition against the proposals signed by 72 scientists from 11 countries.
The petition will be delivered on Thursday, 11 December at 11am. Mr Sturdy, who sits on the Environment and Agricultural committees, is presenting the petition of behalf of Conservatives in the European Parliament.
He has been swamped with protests from the agricultural industry, the chemical industry, sporting, gardening and consumer groups about the impact the new controversial pesticide legislation will have. Up to 30% crop reduction could result from the loss of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides which are currently under threat and have not been assessed scientifically, but are regarded as potentially dangerous.
Mr Sturdy said: “Pesticides are vital for pest control and disease resistance and meeting the increased demands for food and fuel. If the proposals are upheld, there could be a serious risk to EU agriculture and future food security. This warning cannot be ignored by the government. It is ludicrous that a ban should be imposed on the basis that it is potentially hazardous; it should only be made after it has been tested thoroughly and is proven to have an adverse impact on personal health and the environment. As the proposed ban stands, many of these pesticides have been used for many years with no ill effect.”
Mr Paice commented: “At a time of heightened concern over food security, we are being asked to sign up to proposals which have the potential to decimate crop yields when no-one is sure what its impact or benefit will be. This is a deeply unsatisfactory situation.
“It is critical that Ministers assert that these measures will not be introduced without a full impact assessment.”
*A video of the presentation can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUPiP4ZDBk4&feature=channel_page
Ends
Notes to Editors:
1. Robert Sturdy MEP is available for interview on 0032 2284 7294 or through Press Officer Ellee Seymour on 01353 648564 or 07939 811961.
