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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 April 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Insecticides: Regulation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with stakeholders, including the British Veterinary Association, the RSPCA, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, on proposed changes to the regulation of parasiticides.

Answer

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) leads the cross‑government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) Group and is engaging with stakeholders on the environmental risks of flea and tick treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid.

Engagement has included several meetings with individual organisations, including the British Veterinary Association, the RSPCA and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a PiE stakeholder workshop in Summer 2025 involving veterinary professionals, charities, retailers, industry and academia.

The VMD has also launched an eight week Call for Evidence as part of its review of the distribution categories of veterinary medicines containing fipronil or imidacloprid. This open process invites evidence and views from all interested stakeholders to ensure that any future regulatory decisions are informed by robust evidence and consider impacts on animal health and welfare, the environment, pet owners and businesses.

No decisions have yet been taken on regulatory changes, and stakeholder engagement will continue as the evidence base is considered.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
127894
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Regulation Insecticides
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk