The authorisation enabled the use of the pesticide on sugar beet crops in East Anglia in 2023 and 2024, despite it being in potential violation of environmental law.
The investigation is seeking to determine whether there were serious failures to comply with a number of laws in relation to emergency authorisations granted for the use of Cruiser SB.
In particular, the investigation will consider Defra’s interpretation and application of the precautionary principle and compliance with its nature conservation obligations when it considers granting emergency authorisations. Defra is set to work with the OEP throughout the investigation.
The OEP was legally created in November 2021 following the UK's exit from the EU. It is responsible for protecting and improving the environment by holding government and other public authorities to account.
Bee killing pesticide
The probe was launch following a complaint submitted by environmental charity ClientEarth, which highlighted that approved pesticide poses risks to honey bees, other pollinators and freshwater aquatic life.
Bees and other pollinators play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, seed production and pollinating crops.
Commenting on the focus of the complaint, which was submitted prior to the change of government, ClientEarth’s UK head Kyle Lischak, said: “Contrary to the advice of a number of expert public bodies, the government has approved a pesticide that is banned in the EU because of the risks it poses to bees.
“We believe this approval breaches environmental law and has the potential to undermine the important role played by pollinators in food production and the pollination of wild plants.”
“This risk could be compounded in coming years if the government continues to grant emergency authorisations like this one, on what is, in our view, an unlawful basis.”
In response to the OEP announcing its investigation on 8 July, a Defra spokesperson said: “We are at a crisis point – nature is dying across Britain. This government will change existing policies to ban the use of bee-killing pesticides to protect our vital pollinators.”
