Neonicotinoid Alternatives 2021-04-22
2021-04-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about the impact of neonicotinoids on pollinator health and seeks government support for alternatives. Bath constituents have raised this issue in 157 letters since January.
My constituents are concerned about the use of neonicotinoids which harm pollinators. Given that we face both a climate and nature emergency, I ask if the Government will commit to giving the Office for Environmental Protection powers and resources to hold public authorities accountable on environmental standards as promised post-Brexit.
The Government are committed to reducing chemical pesticide use, with protecting pollinators being a priority. The responses to our consultation on the national action plan support low toxicity methods and improved advice for users.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to giving the Office for Environmental Protection powers and resources
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a climate and nature emergency context, focusing on the commitment to maintain pesticide restrictions after Brexit.
Given the Government's pledge to keep pesticide restrictions in place after Brexit, will they commit to empowering the Office for Environmental Protection with authority over environmental standards?
The Government are committed to reducing chemical pesticide use, protecting pollinators being a priority. We are analysing responses from our consultation on the national action plan.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to empowering the Office for Environmental Protection with authority and resources
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue involves the exemption of neonicotinoids for non-flowering crops in the east of England, despite Health and Safety Executive recommendations against it.
Given that the Secretary of State authorised a neonicotinoid exemption before colder weather reduced aphid risk, will the Minister explain why expert advice was overruled? Who pressured the Government to overrule this advice?
The specific exemption authorised was for a non-flowering crop in the east of England to protect against aphid predation. The decision took advice from HSE, ECP, DEFRA's chief scientific adviser, and implemented reduced application rates and restrictions.
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Assessment & feedback
Why expert advice recommending refusal was overruled and who pressured for the exemption
Response accuracy