Press release

UK Government rejects the emergency use of bee-threatening pesticides

23 January 2025

Today, the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced its decision to reject the emergency use of a bee-threatening neonicotinoid pesticide for 2025 – a huge win for UK wildlife.

The neonicotinoid pesticide, which is currently banned in Europe for its potential harmful effects on bees’ nervous systems, had previously been authorised annually in the UK for emergency use since 2021.  The change in policy concurs with the timing of an ongoing investigation by the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) into a complaint made by ClientEarth about the government’s authorisation of this pesticide in 2023 and 2024.  

ClientEarth lawyers first raised the issue with the watchdog in November 2023 over the government’s approval of Cruiser SB – a neonicotinoid pesticide which contains thiamethoxam, which has the potential to cause serious harm to pollinators.

In December 2024, the OEP issued a notice claiming Defra may have failed to comply with environmental law when granting emergency authorisations for the use of a neonicotinoid pesticide in 2023 and 2024. 

Today’s announcement marks a welcome change in government direction and an important step forward in the protection of vital UK wildlife.   

The decision follows the much-welcomed announcement in December of the government’s plans to phase out the emergency use of neonicotinoids and hopefully signals a renewed commitment from the government to promote nature-friendly farming in England. 

In response to the decision, ClientEarth Head of UK Kyle Lischak said:  

“Today’s decision  puts an end to four consecutive years  of approving a pesticide that risks causing harm to pollinating insects like bees, that are the foundation of healthy ecosystems and vital for growing crops.  

“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 reflects farmers’ crucial role as custodians of the natural environment.” 

 “We urge the new Government to step up their efforts to assist farmers in adopting sustainable pest control methods to make sure we can meet the statutory target to reverse the decline in biodiversity by 2030.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:
About ClientEarth

ClientEarth is a non-profit organisation that uses the law to create systemic change that protects the Earth for – and with – its inhabitants. We are tackling climate change, protecting nature and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account, and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. From our offices in Europe, Asia and the USA we shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive together.