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

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to make representations to the EU to change existing rules prohibiting the use of neonicotinoid pesticides as a seed dressing.

The Government remains of the view that decisions on the use of neonicotinoids and other pesticides should be based on a careful scientific assessment of the risks. Pesticides that carry unacceptable risks to pollinators should not be authorised.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is carrying out a review of the evidence on the effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators, including evidence that has emerged since the current restrictions were put in place. The Commission will then consider whether to propose changes to the existing restrictions. Government experts will participate in the EFSA review and our approach to the subsequent EU negotiations will be based on our view of the evidence.