8. What assessment has the Minister made of the UK Government's decision to authorise the use of neonicotinoid pesticides? OQ56215

The decision taken by the UK Government has no impact in Wales, therefore no assessment has been made.

Thank you, Minister. I listened to the previous answer, plainly, but also national boundaries, I would contend, mean little or nothing when it comes to our beloved pollinators, my little bees. So, can you commit to ruling out the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in Wales for as long as possible—forever, I would contend? And how concerned are you with regard to this change in environmental regulations by the UK Government coming so soon after leaving the EU? Is it just the first of many potential changes in environmental regulations, and how can we defend Wales from any further changes in this matter? Diolch.

Thank you. You could say it's a bit of a coincidence, but I don't think there are any coincidences in politics. So, I think it is something that we will need to watch very closely and my priority, as always, is to continue to reduce to the lowest possible level the effect of pesticide use on people, on wildlife, on plants and, of course, on the environment. 

Thank you, Minister.