Bees and other pollinators play a vital role in the security of our food supply and the quality of our natural environment. I welcome the work the Government has done over the last few years to understand and protect these invaluable insects, most recently through the National Pollinator Strategy.

Decisions on the approval of substances that can act as pesticides are made at the European level. Since December 2013, three of the five currently approved neonicotinoids are not permitted for use on a wide range of crops considered “attractive to bees”. A number of other uses remain permitted. These restrictions are not time-limited, and will remain in place until and unless the European Commission decides to change them.

The Commission has begun a review of the science relating to neonicotinoids and bees. This includes looking at the effects of seed treatments and granules that incorporate some neonicotinoids. The Government will contribute fully to this review, and will base its view on future regulation of neonicotinoids on all the available scientific evidence.