Member

Thirdly, the amendment says that the measures in this SI amount to a regression in environmental and public health protections, notably in extending the approval expiry dates for harmful biocides. Of course, by their nature, biocidal substances can sometimes be a cause for concern, but they also play a crucial role in controlling other organisms which present risks to society. The substances in question have previously been evaluated and their risks are understood. If we fail to extend their approval expiry dates then, between now and 2031, up to 173 substances could become illegal to place on the market in Great Britain, putting our society at risk from the harmful organisations which they control. I stress that this is a temporary measure which will secure access to those biocides while a new arrangement is negotiated with the EU in the context of the SPS agreement.