Cartoon by John Sadler 

• THERE have been many compelling allegations concerning the harmful effects of Monsanto’s Roundup for over 20 years. Until recently this massive corporation has used its power and influence to rebuff claims about the effects of glyphosate.

The recent case against Monsanto, where San Francisco jurors have told the world’s largest seed and chemical company it must pay $289million damages to a man dying of cancer, which he claims was caused by exposure to its herbicides, is a landmark decision.

Surely the time has come for Camden Council to acknowledge the risk of glyphosate-based herbicides and ban the use of Roundup in areas where we spend our time, and where our children and pets may come into contact with it after spraying on paths and pavements.

Several countries across the world have banned or severely restricted the use and sale of this weedkiller, including France, and there is a European Citizens’ Initiative to call for an EU-wide ban.

In the UK a number of local authorities have already restricted its use in their operations, including Aberdeen and Edinburgh in Scotland and Hammersmith & Fulham in London.

Many safe alternatives are available to control weeds on paths and pavements, including alternative sprays such as simple vinegar, which do not carry any suspected risks to human health.

Camden Green Party has been campaigning for several years to stop the use of glyphosate. Sian Berry and Kirsten de Keyser have attracted more than 700 signatories to their online petition: www.change.org/p/camden-council-follow-other-councils-and-stop-using-roundup-weedkiller-in-camden.

We are now calling on all parties to work together to ensure there is a glyphosate ban throughout Camden.

KELLY & MICHAEL PAWLYN
NW5