Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will maintain the existing moratorium on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides after the UK leaves the EU.

As part of the preparation for EU exit, we are considering future arrangements for the regulation of pesticides. Our highest priority will continue to be the protection of people and the environment.

The Government remains of the view that decisions on the use of pesticides should be based on a careful scientific assessment of the risks. Pesticides that carry unacceptable risks to pollinators should not be authorised. The Government keeps the developing evidence on neonicotinoids under review, advised by the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides, but on the basis of current available evidence, we support the existing restrictions.