A new trade agreement with the European Union may lead to restrictions on the use of glyphosate, a controversial weedkiller associated with cancer, in the United Kingdom. The chemical has been banned in Europe since 2023 due to health concerns, and now the UK could follow suit.
Government Negotiations Underway
Officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are currently in talks with EU counterparts over the terms of a deal intended to make trade with the bloc "easier, cheaper and more predictable." Environmental and health groups have seized the opportunity to call for action.
In an open letter to Defra on Wednesday, organizations including the Soil Association, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Greenpeace, and the Wildlife Trusts urged the government to phase out glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant, aligning with EU restrictions. They stated that such a move would alleviate concerns over public health and nature while facilitating closer trade relations.
Campaigners Demand Action
Cathy Cliff, campaigns coordinator for the Soil Association, said: "Experts are increasingly warning that there is no ‘safe dose’ of glyphosate, meaning the chemical should be removed from our food. Evidence of the harms linked to glyphosate has rocketed over the last decade, and we’re calling on the government to respond. It’s time to cut the chemicals from our food and fields."
Nick Mole of Pesticide Action Network UK added: "The UK’s glyphosate addiction has spiralled out of control. We know that glyphosate has links to a range of cancers and other life-threatening diseases. And that it damages the environment, polluting our waters and harming wildlife. The government urgently needs to commit to phase out – and ultimately ban – glyphosate and support farmers and local councils to adopt safe and sustainable alternatives."
Expert Warnings on Exposure
Wayne Carter, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham who studies the biological impact of pesticides, commented: "As with most things, essentially, the more you’re exposed, the more concern there is. Too much is potentially toxic, so you could be exposed through your diet, you could be exposed to an inhalation route; but also you should be mindful of going out there and slopping it around in your garden, basically."
A Defra spokesperson responded: "Like all pesticides, glyphosate is subject to strict regulation." The outcome of the trade negotiations remains to be seen, but the pressure for a ban is mounting from both campaign groups and scientific experts.
