DEFRA Unfit

The UK's DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) is not fit for purpose. Soon it will begin killing badgers in selected areas, against all scientific advice. Currently it is opposing the banning of neonicotinoid pesticides, claiming there isn't sufficient scientific evidence that they harm bees. Due to DEFRA's dithering, the UK abstained from a crucial EU vote on a two-year moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids, which have already been restricted in some countries. Europe's bee population is crashing, and neonicotinoids are feared to be one of the causes. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) found that the pesticides posed a "high acute risk" to pollinators. Today the EU appeals committee votes on whether to impose the moratorium (CLICK). Fingers crossed it does.
Update: success!