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Written question asked by Euan Stainbank (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Neonicotinoids

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to publish a timetable for ending emergency authorisations of neonicotinoid pesticides; and what discussions she has had with the Scottish Government on supporting farmers to transition to alternative means of pest management.

Answer

This Government has already taken decisive action on neonicotinoids: it set out plans to change existing policies to prevent the use of three neonicotinoid pesticides that threaten vital pollinators, including through emergency authorisations, in our policy statement of 21 December 2024. The Health and Safety Executive published updated guidance for emergency authorisations of pesticides on 11 September 2025. Negotiations are underway on a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement with the EU; any further action can be considered once the new pesticides regulatory framework for Great Britain is agreed.

We regularly meet the devolved governments, including the Scottish government, to discuss pesticide use.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15221
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Scotland Neonicotinoids
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk