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Deputy David De Lisle insists that a controversial herbicide in widespread use should be completely banned to prevent contamination of the island's environment.
He said that an announcement earlier this week that products containing glyphosate would soon be banned but only from retail sale was too little too late.
And he is not ruling out taking another Requête to the States' Assembly to propose a complete ban which would make glyphosate illegal when used by accredited professionals as well as amateur householders.
Pictured: Deputy David De Lisle was unsuccessful with a first Requête on glyphosate in 2019 but now, three years later, it is about to be partially banned, and he says he will continue to campaign for a complete ban.
Deputy De Lisle told Express later in the day that he was pleased that the Health and Safety Executive had "at last recognised glyphosate as a poisonous substance and withdrawn all 152 products".
"But this, in my opinion, is only a half measure. Will we have to wait another three years for a total ban as the notice does not apply to professional use of products containing glyphosate?" asked Deputy De Lisle.
"My Requête calls for a total ban on glyphosate. Glyphosate is not essential here and not sustainable due to the harm it is causing.
"Professionals will still be able to contaminate Guernsey’s water supply and environment with this poisonous product identified as a carcinogen."
Pictured: Glyphosate products will be removed from the shelves after 31 October before a ban on their general use - except by accredited professionals - comes into effect on 31 December.
Robin Gonard, the States' Chief Health and Safety Officer, said that recorded use of glyphosate by accredited professionals is not the cause of high readings of the chemical in some of the island's water courses.
Concerns were also raised on social media that members of the public could too easily obtain the certificates and awards which would allow them legally to import, store and use glyphosate products on their properties – and, therefore, continue to contaminate the environment as at present.
At least, they may learn how to spray properly and how to calculate the correct amount rather than liberally spray without thinking!
— Robin de Guernesey ???????? ???????????????????????? (@GronBoarding) July 25, 2022
Pictured: Mr Gonard responded on social media to several questions about the ban.
Mr Gonard responded to these concerns on Twitter by suggesting that anyone undertaking such courses would at least gain insight into correctly applying the chemical on their properties.
Deputy De Lisle also questioned why even a partial ban on glyphosate had to wait three years after his first Requête calling for a total ban.
Mr Gonard said there was insufficient evidence at the time of that Requête to warrant legally restricting use of the product and that a revised conclusion was reached only after new and stronger evidence was gathered.
“This despite recognition as a poisonous substance, the need for public responsibility for safe practice, the serious health implications and the damaging environmental and biodiversity effects of the chemical,” said Deputy De Lisle.
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