Closed petition Require MPs to vote on any emergency authorisations of bee-killing pesticides
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, the UK government permitted use of neonicotinoids for beet growing without a vote in Parliament. Derogations from the ban on use of these substances are no longer allowed in the EU due to proven harm to pollinators.
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There must be greater democratic oversight of any future authorisations of these banned pesticides in the UK. Authorisation for the use of Cruiser SB beet seed coating in 2023 was granted against the advice of the Government’s own experts. This substance is highly toxic to pollinators, persistent in soil and leaches into water courses. Given the deadly impact of this pesticide, future authorisations must be scrutinised through a full parliamentary debate and a vote. The health of bees is a widespread concern in the UK and the public are entitled to hold to account those who permit use of bee-killing pesticides.
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MPs investigate insect decline and impact on food security
A group of MPs called the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee is looking into insect decline and its impact on UK food security.
Read the Committee's press notice announcing this work.
The Committee is considering points including:
- The current evidence base on insect abundance and diversity in the UK.
- The drivers of insect loss, including the effect of pesticides on pollinators and their predators.
- What can be done to protect insect populations and the additional policy levers that could be used to reverse declines.
What happens next?
The Committee is conducting oral evidence sessions to hear from experts in the sector.
An evidence session is a hearing where MPs ask key experts, such as Ministers, academics and/or campaigners, questions on a particular topic. These experts are called "witnesses" and they help MPs to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.
The Committee will then consider all the evidence it has taken and publish a report of its findings with recommendations to the Government on any changes that might be needed.
For more information about the inquiry, visit the Committee's inquiry page.
What is the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee?
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee is a cross-party group of MPs that looks into the Government's use of science, technology and research.
Find out more about the committee on its website:
https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/135/science-and-technology-committee
Follow the committee on X, formerly known as Twitter, for updates on its work:
https://twitter.com/CommonsSITC
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee is a select committee. Find out how select committees work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_2RDuDs44c
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MPs debate the environmental impact of neonicotinoids and other pesticides
On Tuesday 5 March, MPs had a debate on the environmental impact of neonicotinoids and other pesticides. The debate was led by Samantha Dixon MP in Westminster Hall.
Our page about the debate includes:
- Links to watch the full debate or read the transcript
- Links to parliamentary resources
- A Westminster Hall debate explainer
What is a Westminster Hall debate?
Westminster Hall is the second chamber of the House of Commons. Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local and national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Westminster Hall debates are general debates that do not end in a vote.
Visual explainer: Westminster Hall debates
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