Use of pesticides on UK farms to be cut by 10% by 2030 to protect bees

A bumble bee hovers above yellow gorse in Devon. The plan includes penalties for those who fail to use pesticides responsibly. Photograph: Odd Andersen/AP

The use of pesticides on UK farms is to be reduced by 10% by 2030 under government plans to protect bees and other pollinators.

Campaigners welcomed the news, but said they were disappointed that the target applied only to arable farms and not to urban areas and parks.