I agree that bees and other pollinators play a vital role in the security of our food supply and the quality of our environment, and to that end I welcome the work the Government has done over the last few years to protect them, most recently through the National Pollinator Strategy (NPS).

Minimising risks from pesticides is just one component of the NPS, which aims to lay out plans to improve our understanding of the abundance, diversity and role of pollinators, and identify any additional actions that will be need to be taken. It also sets out new work to be done immediately, building on longer-term initiatives that were already under way.
 
Significant advances so far include raising the profile of existing initiatives to conserve and create good quality wild flower meadows, and minimising risks from pesticides. Organisations such as Network Rail and the National Trust have agreed that railway embankments, motorway embankments and forests will be used to create bee and insect friendly habitats.
 
The NPS also introduced the first ever wild pollinator and farm wildlife package, which makes more funding made available to farmers and landowners who take steps to protect pollinators. In its first year of its operation over half of the mid-tier applications to the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which channels these payments, included this package.
 
While we remain in the EU, we will continue to meet our obligations under EU law, including restrictions on neonicotinoids, and as part of the preparation for exiting the EU, Ministers are considering future arrangements for pesticides. Our highest priority will continue to be the protection of people and the environment and, taking the advice of the independent Expert Committee on Pesticides, decisions will be based on a careful scientific assessment of the risks.