COLIN BEATTIE MSP JOINS CALLS TO STOP USE OF GLYPHOSATE WEED KILLER

Recently, Colin Beattie, MSP, joined with Councillor Colin Cassidy to call on Midlothian Council to ban the use of glyphosate weed killer across its services. Councillor Colin Cassidy brought a motion to the last Council meeting demanding a ban on its use; he commented that he had seen the impact with his own eyes after a recent spraying near his home left his driveway “covered with dead bees.”

Glyphosate is a widely used, non-selective herbicide (or herbicide ingredient) registered for use on many foods and non-food crops, as well as non-crop areas where total vegetation control is desired.

In the last year Two court cases in America have seen juries rule it caused cancer, although America’s Environmental Protection Agency has this month insisted it is not a carcinogen.

Councillor Cassidy told councillors that it is not only a cost to our insect life, but it has an impact on human life as well.

Both West Lothian Council and Edinburgh City currently have active pesticide-free campaigns ongoing.

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, commented:

‘Midlothian Council must find an alternative to Glyphosate Weed Killer to stop the risk to the environment and human kind.

‘I thank Councillor Cassidy for putting this motion to Midlothian Council, and I hope that they can ensure that a safer and more environmentally friendly option is found.

‘Council’s all across Scotland should be actively looking for alternatives to this pesticide to ensure that we are protecting our environment, animals and human beings from harmful chemicals.’