I have been contacted by many constituents who have raised their concerns with me about the granting of emergency licences for an insecticide from the Neonicotinoid family of pesticides for use on this year's sugar beet crop. I do understand the concerns that have been raised given the known impact of this family of this family of pesticides on many species of insects, and particularly on bees which are of course vital pollinators.
I am aware that usage has been granted under an emergency licence with some stringent conditions attached. These includes a maximum number of seeds planted per hectare and restrictions on farmers planting flowering crops in subsequent years in any field where treated seed has been used, which will allow time for the chemical to break down. However, concerns have nevertheless been raised with me about potential long-term risks around the longevity of this pesticide in the soil, as well as the risk of immediate loss of pollinators attracted by weeds and wild flowers in the area even though the sugar beet crop itself is nonflowering. These concerns have also been raised by bodies including the Wildlife Trust with expertise
in wildlife protection.
No pesticide should be used if there is any significant risk to pollinators. That is why I have sought assurances from ministerial colleagues at DEFRA that these concerns and other safety concerns about the use of neonicotinoids in the UK have been fully investigated, and that the Government has no plans to authorise wider use of this family of pesticides. Additionally, I have called for support for any farms on which emergency authorisations are granted to be supported to develop plans to farm sustainably without the use of this type of pesticide in future.
I am aware that in making this judgement, the Farming Minister considered the advice from the Health and Safety Executive, the Expert Committee on Pesticides and Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser. I have also been assured that protecting pollinators remains a priority for the Government. The National Pollinator Strategy, published in 2014, is a ten year plan which sets out how the Government, conservation groups, farmers, beekeepers and researchers can work together to improve the status of the approximately 1,500 pollinating insect species in England.
I am aware of the Westminster Hall debate which has been scheduled for Wednesday 1 February. Unfortunately, due to diary commitments, I will be unable to attend this debate, however I will follow the Minister's comments in the debate.
