In a win for wildlife the Government has refused to allow the emergency use of a banned pesticide on sugar beet to protect butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

The application to use the pesticide had been made by British Sugar and the National Farmers’ Union, as a seed treatment for sugar beet to protect against aphids that carry yellows virus – which can damage the crop.

But Environment Minister Emma Hardy decided not to grant the authorisation for emergency use of Cruiser SB, which contains the butterfly-killing neonicotinoid thiamethoxam prohibited since 2018 – the first time in five years the application has been turned down.

The Government said the decision was made on robust assessments of environmental, health and economic risks and benefits, with advice from Defra’s chief scientific adviser and its economists, the Health and Safety Executive and the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides.

In its decision, the Government said lethal and harmful risks the chemical could pose to honeybees and other pollinators could not be ruled out.

The decision comes after 42,601 people signed Butterfly Conservation’s open letter to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs calling for a complete ban on the use of toxic neonicotinoid pesticides without exception.

Last month the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) watchdog announced the Government may have failed to comply with environmental laws when it granted use of the neonicotinoid on sugar beet seeds in 2023 and 2024.

And just before Christmas, the new Labour Government set out plans to entirely end the use of three pesticides that are lethally toxic to butterflies, bees and other vital pollinators, including thiamethoxam.

Ms Hardy said: “Britain is currently one of the most nature depleted countries in the world.

“This Government is committed to protecting bees from toxic neonicotinoid pesticides, while working with our farmers to find new ways to protect crops and support a profitable farming sector.

“We recognise the threat that virus yellows can pose to sugar beet growers, and we will continue to support industry to develop alternatives to neonicotinoids on sugar beet that are effective at high levels of yellows virus infection.”

Conservationists said they were “delighted” with the decision.

Julie Williams, CEO of Butterfly Conservation, said: “The decision to not allow the use of banned harmful neonicotinoids in the UK in 2025 is an important win for butterflies, our countryside and its custodians who want to see it thrive. It is clear through the support of Butterfly Conservation’s campaigning on this issue, and the actions of people across the country, that the magnitude of the nature crisis is a threat that concerns all of us, no matter where we live or work. This win is a testament to all the people who have campaigned against pesticide use – from nature friendly farming groups to after-school clubs and community networks. Together, we can bring butterflies back from the brink through actions like this.

"Not authorising use of neonicotinoid pesticides in 2025 is an important first step, and the Government must now follow through with permanently banning the use of these pesticides with no exception. Butterfly Conservation looks forward to working with Defra using the latest science and data from our world-class resources to remove all obstacles to the recovery of our pollinators. Now is the time for the Government to step up and support farmers to manage their land sustainably for the benefit of people and nature.”