UK Government outlines complete ban on insect-killing pesticides

A complete ban on the use of insect-killing neonicotinoid pesticides in the UK has moved a step closer.

The UK Government set out its plans in late December to deliver on a key election pledge. 

Despite being banned from general use in the UK, the previous government had authorised the use of neonicotinoids every year for the last four years in England via a process known as emergency authorisation. In late 2024, British Sugar and NFU sugar had once again asked the government for approval to use the harmful chemicals in 2025.

Neonicotinoids are extremely toxic to a variety of insect pollinators, including bumblebees (Vera Buhl).

Toxic pesticides

Neonicotinoids are extremely toxic to pollinators. Even at doses that are not directly fatal to bees they can cause cognitive problems impacting foraging abilities and the productivity of hives. The chemicals can also persist in the soil, creating a further risk to bees.

Bees and other pollinators are crucial to the agricultural economy with the economic benefits of pollination to crop production in the UK estimated at £500 million annually.

The Government has set out its next steps, including identifying legislative options that would legally prevent the future use of three specific neonicotinoids – clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam – entirely, taking full account of the importance of pollinators.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said: "We are delivering on our promise to ban toxic bee-killing pesticides and ending the long-term decline of our wildlife.  

"A healthy environment is vital to our food and economic security. Protecting bees by stopping the use of damaging neonicotinoids is an important step in supporting the long-term health of our environment and waterways, and our farming sector."

The move comes ahead of the publication of a new UK National Action Plan (NAP), which will set how pesticides can be used sustainably.

Small Tortoiseshell has declined drastically in recent years (Chris Teague).

Insect emergency

Butterfly Conservation, which declared a 'Butterfly Emergency' in 2024 following the worst year on record for butterflies counted during its Big Butterfly Count, called on the government to ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides immediately and without exception.

Previous research has linked the use of neonicotinoids to butterfly declines.

Julie Williams, Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation, said: "We thank the Minister for listening to the concerns of Butterfly Conservation's members and supporters. However, the current process for assessing emergency authorisations is clearly not fit for purpose and poses an ongoing risk to butterflies and moths until that legislation comes into force."