Government Takes Action to Protect Bees from Pesticides — What It Means

The UK government has published new guidance aimed at making emergency use authorisations for pesticides safer for pollinators such as bees. As of 11 September 2025, applications for emergency authorisation will now have to fully account for the risk posed to bees and other pollinators. These changes are part of the government’s commitment to ending the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in England—including via emergency authorisations—and form one piece of a broader effort to restore the natural environment.

Key Details

• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has updated its guidance related to emergency pesticide authorisations. Under this updated guidance, any applicant must explicitly assess and mitigate risks to pollinators in their submissions.
• The move is aligned with the commitment to end use of three neonicotinoids already known to harm bees: clothianidin, imadacloprid, and thiamethoxam.
• The government also plans to support farmers via the UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025, which includes measures to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and promote integrated pest management (IPM).
• An Environmental Improvement Plan is due to be published, which will further define the ambition to restore nature and set additional actions around ecosystems, rivers, soils, etc.

Why This Matters

• Pollinators like bees play a crucial role in food production and biodiversity. In the UK, pollination is estimated to contribute £500 million annually to crop production. Ensuring their protection helps safeguard food supplies.
• Neonicotinoids have been strongly implicated in pollinator decline: they can contaminate nectar and pollen, impair foraging, navigation, reproduction, and even survival. Removing or restricting emergency authorisations reduces a significant route for exposure.
• The guidance helps ensure environmental risk is properly considered in regulatory processes. That increases transparency and consistency, which can boost trust among stakeholders — from farmers to conservationists.

Challenges & What Comes Next

• Enforcement & Compliance: Ensuring that emergency authorisation applications are thoroughly evaluated and that mitigation requirements are adhered to will be a test.
• Supporting Farmers: Many emergency uses of neonicotinoids have been driven by real pest or disease pressures. Transitioning away may require support in terms of alternative tools, resistant varieties, pest monitoring, and financial incentives.
• Alternatives & Innovation: Wider adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biopesticides, precision application technology (e.g. targeted spraying, drones) will be needed. Research funding and regulatory support will be crucial.
• Legal/Legislative Follow-Up: The government is exploring legislative options to prevent future emergency use of these neonicotinoids. If passed, these could provide stronger, more permanent protection than guidance alone.

Implications for Stakeholders

Conclusion

The UK government’s updated guidance on emergency pesticide authorisations represents a significant step forward in protecting pollinators. By explicitly requiring risk to bees to be considered, and moving toward banning the use of harmful neonicotinoids even in emergency cases, it balances agricultural needs with environmental protection. The success of this policy will depend heavily on implementation: providing alternatives, supporting farmers, and ensuring oversight. The coming months—through publication of the Environmental Improvement Plan, roll-out of the Pesticides National Action Plan, and potential legislative actions—will be crucial in determining whether this is truly a turning point for pollinator protection in the UK.