Extinction Rebellion Newark and Sherwood to step up bee campaign in effort to influence Defra Minister Mark Spencer MP to ban neonicotinoid pesticides on the sugar beet crop
Residents alarmed at the decline of vital pollinators and the collapse of insect populations across the UK are to launch a third phase of their campaign to Save the Bees.
The launch event will take place at Newark’s London Road Congregational Church Hall between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday September 30.
The event, hosted by Extinction Rebellion Newark and Sherwood, marks the start of a period of sustained pressure and protest against the use of banned bee-killing pesticides, with local actions planned for the last Saturday of each month through to the spring of 2024.
Local bee-keeper Simon Tilley said: “The timing of the campaign is important as it will build across the period in which Nottinghamshire MP and government minister, Mark Spencer will decide whether to again authorise the use of banned neonicotinoid pesticides on the sugar beet crop, something the government have done for the last three years”.
The campaign also coincides with the start of the harvesting and processing of this year’s sugar beet crop.
Nadia Ming, Newark artist and grandmother said: “The event is a family-friendly arts and crafts session with opportunities to create banners and placards or even to try your hand at block printing.”
There will also be information about the issue and how to get involved in the campaign.
Nadia added: “There is so much frustration – not just among environmental groups but also ordinary people – about the way the government has licensed this chemical against the scientific evidence and the advice of their own experts.
“As a grandma, I am worried about the world we are leaving the next generation.
“I am hoping that this Saturday gets the next stage of the campaign off to a great start with local people turning out to help make the banners and placards we need for the campaign or just to help raise awareness of the issue by getting bee-prints or the XR logo on their t-shirt or tote bag to show their support.”
