UK Government rejects 'emergency' use of neonicotinoids

The UK Government has rejected a request for the emergency application of an insect-killing pesticide to crops in 2025.

The neonicotinoid thiamethoxam has been banned in the UK since 2018, but had been approved for use on British sugar beet crops annually from 2021 to 2024 under the previous Conservative government.

The news comes soon after the current Labour government had outlined a plan to completely ban the use of insect-killing pesticides.

The neonicotinoid thiamethoxam weakens bees' immune systems and damages young bees' brains (Zeynel Cebeci / commons.wikimedia.org).

Damaging to insects

A government statement said that there is "clear and abundant evidence" that thiamethoxam is "extremely toxic to pollinators such as bees".

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said: "Britain is currently one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

"This government is committed to protecting bees from toxic neonicotinoid pesticides, while working with our farmers to find new ways to protect crops and support a profitable farming sector.

"We recognise the threat that virus yellows can pose to sugar beet growers, and we will continue to support industry to develop alternatives to neonicotinoids on sugar beet that are effective at high levels of yellows virus infection."

Butterflies are also believed to be impacted by neonicotinoids (Chris Teague).

Transitioning away from chemicals

The Wildlife Trusts responded by saying they were "delighted" by the refusal. 

The Wildlife Trusts' Joan Edwards said: "There is simply no place in modern sustainable agriculture for highly toxic pesticides that kill bees and poison soils and rivers. Neonicotinoids were originally banned in the UK in 2017 but were granted repeat authorisations for use, despite explicit guidance against their approval.

"Many farmers across England have already turned their backs on these devastating chemicals. It's time for British Sugar to take greater responsibility, and pay growers a fair price for producing beets without neonicotinoids.

"The focus must now be on a complete, sustainable transition away from a reliance on the use of neonicotinoids not just in agriculture, but also in pet flea treatments. This is a key source of chemical pollution in our waterways, with 10% of UK rivers found to contain toxic neonicotinoid chemicals."