Thank you for contacting me about the use of neonicotinoids.
I believe that the restrictions on neonicotinoids remain justified due to the growing weight of scientific evidence that they are harmful to bees and other pollinators. I am glad that the Government supports these restrictions as it is rightly not prepared to put our pollinator populations at risk. However, I know that ministers can consider applications for emergency authorisations in exceptional circumstances where diseases or pests cannot be controlled by any other reasonable means.
I am assured that emergency authorisations for the limited and controlled use of pesticides are only granted where the legal requirements are met. When considering emergency authorisations, I know that the Government always takes account of the potential risks to people, animals and the environment.
The emergency use of the chemical thiamethoxam, which is a neonicotinoid insecticide, has been authorised in England. This is due to the beet yellows virus, which poses a threat to sugar beets in England. I am aware that emerging sugar beet seedlings are vulnerable to predation by aphids, which have the potential to spread the virus.
I would like to assure you that the temporary authorisation for the use of thiamethoxam will be limited and controlled. In addition, to reduce the environmental harm of thiamethoxam to bees, farmers will be forbidden from growing flowering plants for 32 months after the sugar beet crop. I am encouraged that the known environmental harm from use of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam is reduced to a large extent by this 32-month ban.
Finally, I welcome that the draft National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides sets out the ambition to further minimise the risks and impacts of pesticides to human health and the environment.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.