Firstly, I’ve been taking a big interest in regenerative agriculture recently and as we improve soil health and plant health there will be less need to use neonicotinoids or any other similar product. I’m strongly supportive of this approach, which an increasing number of farmers are now adopting, not least because it is being strongly supported by government policy with the support payments for agriculture being directed towards farmers who are taking these actions.

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.

Emerging sugar beet seedlings are vulnerable to predation by aphids, which have the potential to spread Beet Yellows Virus. The 2020 sugar beet yields were severely affected and were forecast to be down by 20-25 per cent on previous years. Due to this, the Government granted authorisation for the emergency use of Cruiser SB, which contains a neonicotinoid, on the 2021 sugar beet crop in England. Ultimately, I understand that Cruiser SB was not used on the 2021 crop as the conditions set by the Government as part of the emergency authorisation for the use of the product were not met.

However, I am aware that there is a current application for the emergency authorisation of Cruiser SB, which has been received and is currently being considered against the strict, legal requirements for emergency authorisation.

I also 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. 

I know that my ministerial colleagues take their international commitments to environment protection very seriously. In the case of neonicotinoids and other chemicals, I am assured that the UK goes above the international standard and requires exporting companies to confirm with countries that they have accepted any imports before they are shipped.

Finally, I welcome that there was a debate on this important issue on 2 February. However, due to prior diary commitments I was unable to attend it.