MSP COLIN BEATTIE URGES FOR BAN OF DANGEROUS WEED KILLER

Constituency MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, has called for an urgent ban on Glyphosate weed killer by Midlothian Council, following concerns that its use has been reintroduced in the local area.

The product was previously banned by Midlothian Council, but has since come back into use in the local area.

MSP Colin Beattie commented:

“I have been contacted by a group of residents from Danderhall who have alerted me to the use of Glysophate weed killed by the council in the local area and they have made me aware of the community’s concerns in relation to this.

“This specific weed killer was banned for use by Midlothian Council in February 2019, however they have since started limited use of the product again in Midlothian’s green spaces.

“I don’t believe this is acceptable. The product was correctly banned in the first place and not only is this weed killer particularly threatening to vegetation and insects – particularly bees and butterflies - but there is also evidence which proves it has carcinogenic effects on humans. This weed killer should have no place in our local community and we need to ban it to protect wildlife and also public health.

“I have written to the SNP councillors at Midlothian Council to ask for their support in taking action to bring this product out of use and they have assured me they will continue to oppose its use locally. It’s time for the Labour-led council to take some action here and do what’s right to protect our local wildlife and communities.”