MEPs vote down agri-pesticides proposal

Greens rapporteur described the vote as 'a bitter disappointment for biodiversity, for our health, and our children’s health'

The European Parliament has rejected a plan to cut back reliance on pesticides in agriculture, in another setback in efforts to protect the environment.

With 299 votes against the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products Regulation, or SUR, 207 in favour, and 121 abstentions, MEPs rejected a package of draft legislation that had been negotiated intensely for months.