← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Neonicotinoids and other Pesticides — [Gordon Henderson in the Chair]
05 March 2024
Lead MP
Samantha Dixon
Chester North and Neston
Lab
Responding Minister
Mark Spencer
Tags
Foreign AffairsAgriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 10044
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Samantha Dixon raised concerns about neonicotinoids and other pesticides — [gordon henderson in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ms Dixon asks the Minister to comment on the assessment of the impact of their emergency authorisation over the last four years. She also questions why they have ignored expert advice that puts vital pollinators at risk and seeks a commitment for future decisions on this issue to be put to parliamentary vote. Lastly, she inquires about the timeline for publishing the long-awaited strategy on sustainable pesticide use.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Ms Dixon is concerned about the Government's decision to approve emergency authorisation for neonicotinoid use on sugar beet for the fourth consecutive year, which goes against expert advice and international obligations. She notes that these decisions are being made despite evidence of harm to bees and other pollinators, with one teaspoon of neonicotinoids capable of killing 1.25 billion honeybees. The emergency authorisation allows seed coating with neonics, leading to only 5% reaching the crop while the rest accumulates in soil and waterways, posing significant risks to wildlife.
Daniel Poulter
Con
Central Suffolk and North Ipswich
He expressed sympathy with some of the points made but argued that annual authorisation is reasonable until viable alternatives to neonics are found. He used a medical analogy, suggesting that if a medication has unpleasant side effects but is the only option available at this moment, it should be prescribed despite wishing for better alternatives.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
The MP highlighted the ongoing issue of neonicotinoids and their impact on bee populations, citing statistics such as a third of the UK bee population disappearing in the last decade. He emphasized the economic importance of bees, noting that approximately 75% of crop species require pollination and the value to the UK economy is estimated at £690 million. The MP also discussed the environmental impact on aquatic life and the need for alternative pest management strategies. I questioned the circumstances under which a derogation would not be granted, arguing that while tolerant varieties or alternatives exist, they come with economic costs and do not necessarily provide the same level of yield.
Duncan Baker
Con
Weston-Super-Mare
Duncan Baker raised concerns about human health impacts from pesticides, noting Norfolk County Council's ban on glyphosate as a positive move. He suggested the Government should support finding sustainable alternatives and rolling out such bans across the country. I am concerned about the impact of neonicotinoids on sugar beet production in my constituency. I argue that the derogation for non-flowering plants is necessary and safe, as it mitigates risks to pollinators.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
I agree that debates about beekeeping and pesticide use are essential for raising awareness in the wider community about the importance of beekeeping for societal benefits.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I declare an interest as a neighbour of beekeepers and emphasise the importance of farmers being good stewards of the environment. I support the use of pesticides under strict conditions, especially in cases like sugar beet crops threatened by Virus Yellows disease, which can cause up to 80% crop losses.
Luke Pollard
Lab Co-op
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Mr. Pollard is deeply concerned about the continued use of emergency authorisations for bee-killing pesticides in sugar beet crops, arguing that this practice contradicts expert advice and environmental protection efforts. He calls for transparency from the Government regarding their policy direction and alternatives to these pesticides. Additionally, he questions the impact of neonicotinoids on imported food and pet treatments, highlighting potential health risks for humans and wildlife. He supported Daniel Zeichner's comments and asked for clarity on the plan to address Cruiser SB's authorisation, including measures being taken and how progress can be scrutinised. He also inquired about exploring other uses of neonicotinoids in the wider economy.
Sarah Dyke
Lib Dem
Glastonbury and Somerton
A beekeeper herself, Sarah Dyke expressed concern about the Government's 'war on insects' as highlighted by the Somerset Beekeepers' Association. She called for rigorous testing of chemicals before approval and a clear target to reduce pesticide use in agriculture.
Government Response
Mark Spencer
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Henderson. I draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests as a farmer, although we do not and have never produced sugar beet at home. We agree on more than we disagree on, including the necessity to find a way forward. Decisions to allow or not to allow the use of pesticides are based on careful scientific assessment of the risks. The aim is to achieve a high level of protection for people, animals and the environment while improving agricultural production. The emergency authorisation was issued with a strict threshold for use: virus incidence rate of 65% or more over the summer months forecast by Rothamsted Research model. Use of Cruiser SB on sugar beet in England will be allowed this year as the predicted virus incidence has been met. Members will be aware of the strict conditions of use set, including restrictions to mitigate risks to the environment and pollinators. Full details are published online. We remain committed to existing restrictions on neonicotinoids; emergency authorisations are approved only where special circumstances exist, with limited and controlled use necessary due to danger uncontainable by other means. The decision was informed by scientific advice from DEFRA's chief scientific adviser, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and UK Expert Committee on Pesticides. HSE concluded that risks to bees were not of concern under proposed conditions of use. Looking to the future, we do not wish to see temporary use of neonicotinoids continue longer than strictly required; development of alternative sustainable approaches is paramount. The Government have provided £660,000 towards a precision breeding project to develop resistance to virus yellows in sugar beet, helping expedite transition away from neonics. We are closely monitoring progress and urging British Sugar and others to drive forward plans for implementation at pace. Encouraging lower-risk and alternative approaches to pest management will be a prominent feature of the national action plan on sustainable use of pesticides to be published shortly.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.