Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary Sue Hayman has written an open letter Defra secretary Michel Gove to clarify the government's position on neonicotinoid pesticides.
It comes as news that a Conservative MEP failed to stop a complete EU ban on neonicotinoid pesticides.
In her open letter to Mr Gove, Sue Hayman said the Conservative party were attempting to 'frustrate' the process of banning neonicotinoids. The letter states that Conservative policy is unclear.
It stated that Labour are 'concerned by the apparent Conservative Party position' on neonicotinoids.
Miss Hayman noted that Mr Gove has previously stated that he would not seek to weaken European environmental regulations.
She said: "You have previously provided public assurance that a Conservative government would not seek to dilute EU environmental protections, however, actions by your colleagues in the European Parliament this week appear to contradict your promises."
'Important step'
In March, it was reported that draft regulations stated the European Commission was likely to call for a 'near complete ban' of the pesticides from EU member states.
The decision by Brussels could shock the farming industry which is fearful that a ban on the substances could deplete crop yields across Europe.
If proposals are approved by a majority of EU member states, a complete ban could be in place this year.
Miss Hayman's letter read: "Support for the EU Commission's proposed ban on these three substances is an important step towards ensuring a healthy environment for bees and other pollinators."
'Devastating'
However, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has said a blanket ban would have devastating consequences on outdoor crops, and the effect this would have on farming businesses.
NFU Vice President Guy Smith said a blanket ban of neonicotinoids on outdoor crops would be 'devastating' for farms across the country.
"The numbers of pests are rising across the country and dealing with these pressures is costly. Growing crops without these seed treatments could become very difficult.
"Neonicotinoid seed treatments form an incredibly important part of the integrated pest management approach which farmers adopt. I know it would make implementing this approach more difficult for farmers without these seed treatments."
