Chemicals giant Syngenta has withdrawn a controversial application to allow its banned pesticide back on UK fields after an outcry from environmentalists concerned about declining bee populations.
Syngenta's pesticide was outlawed for two years by the European Union last year because its neonicotinoid content is suspected of harming bees, but the company wanted to resume its use on oilseed rape.

However, Syngenta backed down after a huge protest was mounted as government ministers met to discuss the application.

A petition was signed by 200,000 members of campaigning group 38 Degrees and 35,000 people wrote to environment secretary Owen Paterson via Avaaz. A further 6,000 Friends of the Earth supporters asked ministers to "stand firm against Syngenta".

Hundreds of protesters dressed as bee-keepers, bees and pesticides also gathered in Downing Street to confront ministers as they arrived for their meeting.

Other organisations joining the campaign included Buglife, Greenpeace, the Soil Association, Client Earth, Environmental Justice Foundation, Natural Beekeeping Trust and Pesticide Action Network.

Commenting on the campaign's success, Robin Priestley of 38 Degrees said: "We still need to keep our eyes peeled. Syngenta have said they're going to re-apply next year. And our so-called environment minister still doesn't back the ban or believe the science. But, for this summer at least, our bees will be buzzing around our fields and gardens, safe from any new Syngenta pesticides."

Last year's ban also affected Bayer's garden pesticide, Provado Lawn Grub Killer.