Pollinators are an essential part of our environment and play a crucial role in food production through pollination. I know that the National Pollinator Strategy sets out action ministers are taking to improve the status of bees and other pollinators in England on farmland and other areas.
I understand that these actions include restoring and creating habitat for bees and other wild and managed pollinators to thrive; acting on the pressures that impact on pollinators, including by supporting Integrated Pest Management; providing advice and raising awareness across society so that they can take action themselves; and supporting new monitoring and research. Further, the Healthy Bees Plan 2030 sets out additional action to improve honeybee health, alongside beekeeping associations and other interested parties.
Since the Transition Period ended, I know that ministers continue to ensure that decisions on the use of pesticides are based on careful scientific assessment of the risks, with the aim of achieving a high level of protection for people and the environment. I am assured that pesticides that pose unacceptable risks, including to pollinators, are not authorised. Ministers have also developed a draft National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, which sets out the ambition to support the development and greater uptake of Integrated Pest Management to reduce pressures on biodiversity and the natural environment.
It is also encouraging that the UK is moving to an ambitious new agricultural system which will reward farmers and land managers for the work they do to look after and enhance our environment. This will encourage actions that support Integrated Pest Management, as well as those that conserve and enhance habitats for bees and other pollinators. Finally, the Government has introduced a national pollinator monitoring scheme with trend estimates published annually, and advice and guidance is also provided to landowners and the public through the Bees’ Needs campaign.