Bees: Neonicotinoids

The importance of sugar production for UK jobs, the impact of virus yellows on crops, and the risks associated with importing sugar from overseas were highlighted. The speaker argued against a blanket ban on neonics due to their specific use as seed treatments rather than sprayed onto flowering plants, providing protection without harming bees. Asked the Minister if she would give way to speak.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that legal requirements in the Environment Act 2021 to halt species loss by 2030 will not be worth the paper they are written on if, at the first hurdle, the Government fail and give a licence to something their own scientific advisers advise against? I am concerned about the Government's emergency authorisation of Cruiser SB containing thiamethoxam for 2022 to tackle yellow virus. This decision contradicts the Environment Act requirement to halt species loss by 2030 and disregards scientific evidence on neonicotinoids' harmful effects. I urge the Minister to commit to considering long-term impacts on pollinators, invest in non-chemical alternatives, and support farmers to transition away from neonics.

Mr. Zeichner expressed concern over the emergency authorisation decision, stating that farming and environmental issues must not be in conflict and urged for a balanced approach to protect pollinator health while addressing farmer concerns. He highlighted the economic impact on sugar beet production but emphasized the importance of integrated pest management as an alternative solution. Inquired about how the government judges the risk of neonicotinoids as sufficiently low.

Concerned about the decision to lift the ban on neonicotinoids, Fleur Anderson highlighted the importance of following expert advice and adhering to the precautionary principle. She expressed worries over the financial impact on farmers but also noted the environmental risks posed by neonicotinoids, including damage to bees and aquatic life from run-off.

Questioned whether the balance of science supported the Government's position regarding neonicotinoids, referencing concerns raised by other MPs about scientific backing for the current stance.

He highlighted the issues faced by sugar beet growers in his constituency due to virus yellows, which caused a yield loss of up to 80% and cost £65 million. He supported the emergency authorisation for neonics but noted that it would only be used as an insurance policy if necessary.

He emphasised the importance of protecting bees and restricting the use of neonicotinoid insecticides, noting that without pollinators, food security would be at risk. He also raised concerns about the Northern Ireland protocol's impact on regulations for pesticides in his constituency.

Supporting the need to balance nature protection with crop production, especially for sugar beet growers who care about bees and environmental diversity. We should not create a paradox between those who farm and grow crops and those who protect wildlife.

The Government are not following the science and ignoring expert committees on pesticides. Labour Members tried to amend the Environment Act to give Parliament power to scrutinise these decisions, but it was voted down by the Government. The use of neonicotinoids harms bees' immune systems, navigation abilities, and can cause paralysis and death in high doses. There has been a drastic decline in pollinators since 1985, with some species nearly wiped out by pesticide use. Organisations promoting alternatives to pesticides argue that agroecology approaches would increase crop yields.

Bees are under threat and half of Britain's bee, butterfly and moth species have declined in the last half-century; three bumblebee species have become extinct in the last 30 years. Bees ensure the diversity of our wild plants, support natural habitats and pollinate crops worth millions each year. The UK previously banned neonicotinoids but now authorises their use again despite scientific evidence proving harmful effects.

Does the hon. Friend agree that constituents are concerned about protecting bees, including addressing issues related to neonicotinoids?

Would my hon. Friend join me in congratulating the Flourish at Ford Way community gardening project, which does fantastic work through bee-friendly gardening? My constituents are concerned about research by Professor David Goulson who warns that just a single teaspoon of neonicotinoid chemicals is enough to kill 1.25 billion honeybees. Concerned about the Government's authorisation of Cruiser SB pesticide, which contains thiamethoxam. The Health and Safety Executive concluded that emergency authorisation requirements were not met and it would harm river life. Margaret noted constituents' views on the importance of bees in maintaining a healthy environment and questioned why the Government approved harmful pesticides despite scientific evidence against them. She also highlighted that the Wildlife Trusts say the authorisation undermines efforts to meet legal requirements for halting and reversing nature decline by 2030.

Mr. Offord raised concerns about the impact of neonicotinoids on moths, butterflies, and pollinator nervous systems, citing studies that show environmental contamination and availability of non-chemical alternatives to neonics. He highlighted a 2013 Environmental Audit Committee report suggesting economic considerations should not influence environmental risk management decisions.

My hon. Friend must be positively buzzing about securing this debate on protecting bees and nature.

The hon. Member supports the lead MP's concerns about bee health and urges the Government to take meaningful action rather than hiding behind decisions made in other European countries.

Ms. Blake intervened, supporting Mr. Offord's points and criticising the Government for being reckless in dismissing expert panel views on neonicotinoids.

Mr Goodwill declared his interest as a farmer and expressed the importance of neonicotinoids in protecting sugar beet crops from viruses spread by aphids, stating that without seed dressing, yields could decline up to 30%. He acknowledged the toxicity of neonicotinoids to bees but argued for a derogation similar to those granted by ten EU countries, citing scientific evidence and the need to maintain crop diversity.

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that local authorities across the country have put together plans, such as Kent's Plan Bee, to protect and enhance bee populations and do what they can to protect the natural environment?

In support of Anderson's points, Virginia Crosbie emphasized the importance of protecting bee populations in her constituency, noting local honey producers and beekeeping communities. She stressed the need for correct use of chemicals like neonicotinoids to safeguard bees.

Many in the farming community support nature recovery and need Government support to work towards it. The use of neonicotinoids on crops was banned by the EU, but the Government have allowed their use again despite no new evidence. The expert committee on pesticides has warned about damaging effects, but the Government are ignoring them. The Government's careless attitude will be felt in food supplies and the long-term security of our environment.