UK to ban bee-killing pesticides but highly toxic type could still be allowed

The neonicotinoid pesticide Cruiser SB destroy bees' nervous systems. Experts say one teaspoon of the chemical is enough to kill 1.25 billion honeybees. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA

Bee-killing pesticides are to be banned by the UK government, as ministers set out plans to outlaw the use of neonicotinoids.

However, the highly toxic neonicotinoid Cruiser SB could be allowed for use next year, as ministers are considering applications from the National Farmers’ Union and British Sugar.