Conservationists call on Government to back ban on 'bee-killing' pesticides Experts from EU member states are due to meet tomorrow to debate plans for tough new restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been found in several scientific studies to have a damaging effect on bees. However, the National Farmers Union has warned that a ban would cost the UK economy up to £630 million a year, and Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary, has said more research is needed. In a letter to the Daily Telegraph, senior figures from wildlife and green groups, including Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth, and Martin Harper, director of conservation at the RSPB, urge the Government to back a ban on neonicotinoids. They write: "We recognise concerns about the possible impacts on farmers of the proposed restrictions. However, these are not reasons for inaction. We call on Government and industry to work with farmers to help them make the vital transition away from neonicotinoids to more sustainable means of pest control, including the uptake of less harmful and non-chemical alternatives that already exist. The conservationists have also called for Ministers to draw up a "bee action plan" to address the sharp decline in the population of bumblebees and honey bees in Britain, which could have serious implications for the pollination of fruit and vegetables. The neonicotinoids being considered for a ban are used on oilseed rape, wheat, oats, sugarbeet, linseed, maize and barley in the UK as well as lettuce crops. A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "We take the health of bees extremely seriously and we're currently considering the EU's proposal. Any decision we take will be based on scientific evidence and if it is concluded that restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids are necessary, they will be brought in.