Pesticides: Neonicotinoids

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Baroness Corston

Wednesday 17th June 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, as I hope I have impressed upon your Lordships, the decisions made here and in Europe need to be made on the best scientific assessment of risk. Only last November we published the National Pollinator Strategy, which is precisely designed to improve the situation for our 1,500 pollinating insect species. These pollinators are absolutely vital to our food production.

[Baroness Corston (Lab)]

Following the question put by the noble Baroness, Lady Parminter, can the Minister confirm that not a single beekeeping organisation in this country is in favour of lifting the ban? Beekeepers of my acquaintance all say the same thing: that neonicotinoids are extremely damaging to bee colonies, and that if our bees die and thus stop pollinating we will die too.

Public Sector Strikes: Union Support

Debate between Lord Gardiner of Kimble and Baroness Corston

Wednesday 11th February 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, unlikely though it may seem to noble Lords opposite, I think that trade unions and the trade union movement have a very strong place in our national life. There have been difficulties, but I think that trade unions are institutions that have had many responsible members—of course I do. The whole issue is whether they have reasonable and responsible leadership on occasion; leadership should be shown. We could be about to have bus strikes where 21% of the union membership have voted for that strike.

[Baroness Corston (Lab)]

My Lords, if a turnout of 21% in a trade union postal ballot is unacceptable, can the Minister explain why we are told that a turnout of 8% in an election for a police and crime commissioner is perfectly okay?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, there is a very big difference. One is offering public service and one is withdrawing public service.