On Monday, as the European Commission's partial ban on three neonicotinoid pesticides came into force, thirteen major environment groups issued a joint call for the UK Government to show its commitment to reversing bee declines by fully enforcing the restrictions.

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Although independent scientists, who published studies suggesting a link between the use of neonicotinoids and harmful effects on bee health,  were vindicated earlier in the year, when EU health watchdog EFSA found that the pesticides posed an "unacceptable risk" to bees and other pollinators, the UK government has stated that it rejects the growing scientific consensus.   

Responding to report by the influential Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) in September, the government said that, while it is obliged to abide by the EU moratorium on certain agricultural uses of the three pesticides, it would not be pushing for a ban on neonicotinoid ingredients in gardening products or introduce a scheme to monitor pollinator health, as had been advised.

Under the EU restrictions, the use of three neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, clothianidin and TMX) on crops attractive to bees will be banned for at least two years.

Bee populations in the Northern hemisphere are declining and the insects, essential pollinators of some of the world's most important agricultural crops, face multi-faceted pressures from loss of habitat, disease and the effects of a changing climate. Evidence from Scotland suggests winter 2012 was the worst on record for both wild and domestic bees.

The UK government voted against the Commission's proposed ban earlier in the year. Although the government is obliged to implement the partial ban, the coalition of green groups warned that clarification is lacking on how it will be effectively enforced and monitored.

They also expressed concerns about the safe disposal of unused pesticides and treated seeds.

Groups including the Wildlfe Trusts, Environmental Justice Foundation and RSPB said in a statement released as the Bee Coalition, "Given unprecedented public concern for bees and the risks they face from pesticides, we welcome the… implementation of the ban on certain neonicotinoid products, which have been shown to be harmful to bees and pollinators."

They condemned the government's opposition to the ban, which the statement said has persisted "despite strong scientific evidence about the risks and overwhelming public support for firm action."

The organisations are demanding the government provides information and advice to growers about safer alternative means of pest control and publishes information on safe neonicotinoid disposal and answers questions relating to monitoring of the restrictions. The environment groups added, "We call on the Government to stop bowing to the powerful agrochemical industry and ensure this temporary ban is fully implemented and enforced."