Primary school pupils have had their very own petition heard in the House of Commons.

Children in Year 2 from Knockhall Primary School, Greenhithe, wrote to their MP about banning the use of harmful pesticides as they are a major contributor to the decline of bee populations.

The youngsters came up with the idea as they were learning about the sustainability of our ecosystems as part of their Bug Detectives topic.

Standing on the floor of the House of Commons, Dartford MP Gareth Johnson (Con) said: “I’d like to present a petition to the House on behalf of the excellent Knockhall Primary School in my constituency, and specifically Year 2, who have been doing some excellent work on insecticides.

“Madame Deputy Speaker, the petitioners declare that consideration should be given to banning harmful pesticides because of the dangers that they create for bees and other pollinators which are an essential part of our environment and play a crucial role in food production.

"The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the government to consider banning harmful pesticides.”

The petition has now been sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the children are awaiting a response.

Mr Johnson, along with Greenhithe and Knockhall Councillor David Mote (Con), visited Knockhall school to meet the children in person.

Cllr Mote also brought along some bee bombs, which are clusters of wildflower seeds the children will plant in the school’s allotment to help encourage bees to thrive.

Acting head of school Chloe Riley said: “We were delighted when Gareth Johnson replied to the children’s letters; we were absolutely astounded when he wrote again to Year 2 to tell them he would be presenting their petition in the House of Commons.

"The children have really enjoyed this project and we very much enjoyed having him visit Knockhall Primary School along with Councillor Mote."

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