The UK government will stop approving the use of a bee-threatening pesticide for 2025

Rules governing the emergency authorisation of these pesticides should be properly adhered to, to ensure they do not cause harm to nature. The new government came into power in 2024 with clear pledges to ban neonicotinoid pesticides; we hope today’s decision heralds the beginning of a new chapter in agricultural policy which recognises farmers’ crucial role as custodians of the natural environment. We urge the new Government to step up their efforts to assist UK farmers in adopting sustainable pest control methods to make sure we meet the statutory target to reverse the decline in biodiversity by 2030.

Kyle Lischak, ClientEarth lawyer

The pesticide in question is known as Cruiser SB, a neonicotinoid which poses risks to honeybees, other pollinators, and freshwater aquatic life. These pollinators are crucial for maintaining the health of our environment and food systems. But the active ingredient in the pesticide, thiamethoxam, is a serious potential threat to pollinators. A report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Expert Committee on Pesticides expressed serious concerns, pointing out that even non-lethal doses of thiamethoxam could compromise pollinators' ability to forage and navigate, potentially leading to a “reduction in honeybee survival”. 

The pesticide belongs to a group of pesticides called neonicotinoids which is already banned in the EU for outdoor use. These chemicals can remain active in the soil for years, making their way into streams and rivers. Recent studies have found more than one in ten English rivers contain neonicotinoids, which risk harm to aquatic life. 

Crop pollination: Honeybees are major pollinators of many food crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oilseeds. Approximately one-third of the world's food supply is dependent on pollination, and honeybees contribute significantly to the production of a variety of crops. 

Biodiversity: Pollination is essential for the reproduction of many wild plants, contributing to the maintenance and diversity of ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems, in turn, support a wide range of plant and animal species. 

Food chain: Pollination is a critical link in the food chain. Many herbivorous animals depend on the healthy plants that result from successful pollination, sustaining, in turn, their predators. 

Seed production: Pollination is essential for the production of seeds, ensuring the next generation of plants. This is crucial for the maintenance and regeneration of plant populations.

The decline in honey bee populations is a cause for concern globally, as it could have far-reaching consequences for agriculture and ecosystems. Efforts to protect honey bees and other pollinators are essential for maintaining the health of ecosystems and ensuring food security.