Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the environmental impact, particularly on insects, of home lighting systems, including the recent spread of solar powered gardening lighting systems that may operate automatically; and what consideration they have given to placing restrictions on such lighting, including where it may also prove a nuisance to neighbours.

Defra has not made any assessment specifically on the environmental impact of home lighting or solar powered garden lighting systems. However, the department has published and contributed to national and global assessments of the impact of artificial light and other pressures on insects and wider biodiversity, and we are aware of further studies that have identified impacts of artificial light on the behaviour and physiology of some insect species.

We continue to work with partners including leading scientists to review the latest studies related to light pollution and ensure we continue to address key threats to biodiversity.