DEFRA secretary Michael Gove has delighted environmentalists by declaring that UK government policy on neonicotinoid pesticides would "follow both existing EU protections" and be "enhanced in line with the science".

Answering MPs' questions in the House of Commons, Mr Gove said he had paid "close attention" to last month's large-scale scientific study by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, which found evidence that neonicotinoid pesticides may indeed harm bee populations.

Reacting to reports that some Conservative MPs would still oppose a full EU ban on the chemicals, Greenpeace launched an online petition calling on Mr Gove to take heed of the study and seek an outright neonic ban – which attracted 130,000 signatures.

Asked in Parliament to pledge an end to UK neonic use, the Defra secretary replied that he wanted to "ensure that our bee population and our pollinators are protected".

"I pay close attention to the science in that report, and we will ensure that our policy on neonicotinoids follows existing EU protections and is enhanced in line with the science," he added, confirming that he wanted to transcribe and read across existing EU protections, including the 'precautionary principle', which puts the burden of proof of environmental safety on those taking an action.

Greenpeace UK's chief scientist Dr Doug Parr said: "These are encouraging words from the environment secretary – now we need to see them turned into action. Bees are a vital link in the human food chain, our natural environment, and the rural economy – and they're in danger.

"Evidence that neonicotinoid pesticides are a threat to pollinators has been building up for years, and that's just been confirmed by the world’s largest ever field trial, partly funded by the pesticide makers themselves," said Dr Parr.

"Michael Gove should move quickly to introduce a full and permanent ban on bee-harming pesticides while ensuring that Britain retains the precautionary principle enshrined in EU law. He promised better food standards and a healthier environment after Brexit – he won't be able to deliver it without saving our bees first."