I recognise the importance of the strict regulation of pesticides based solely on scientific assessment of risks. It is vital that these regulations provide a high level of protection for people and the environment.
Pesticides may only be placed on the market in Great Britain if they have been authorised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Great Britain's pesticide regulator. This only happens following a thorough scientific risk assessment that concludes all safety standards are met. Pesticides that pose unacceptable risks are not authorised.
I welcome the publication of the UK Pesticides National Action Plan, launched in March 2025 but first drawn up under the last Government, which sets out the Government’s strategy for managing pesticide use and minimising risks to the environment and health while maintaining food security. I will continue to follow the implementation of this plan and the Government's approach to pesticide regulation closely.
The Government has agreed with the EU to establish a common food safety area by way of a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement. Pesticides are in scope. The Government will be held to account on what deal it secures but it is vital that the Government’s desire to secure an agreement does not put at risk the ability to effectively produce food.
The use of pesticides is only authorised if a scientific risk assessment shows that there will be no harmful effects on human health and no unacceptable effects on the environment. I hope that the Government continues the work from the last Government in strengthening scientific evidence.