LOBBYING
BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson joined representatives from across the UK chemicals sector at a parliamentary reception last week, using the opportunity to discuss regulation, UK-EU relations and the importance of maintaining access to effective professional pest management products.
The Chemical Business Association (CBA) reception took place at the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, hosted by Julia Buckley MP for Shrewsbury.
The event brought together politicians, industry representatives and trade associations to mark more than 100 years of the CBA representing the chemical supply chain and to discuss some of the regulatory and economic challenges facing the sector.
Chemical regulation might sound several steps removed from a pest technician carrying out a treatment, but the decisions made in Westminster can eventually affect the products, costs and choices available in the field. That’s why BPCA continues to engage with politicians and organisations working across the chemicals sector.
Keeping regulation on the agenda
UK REACH was one of the important themes of the evening. The CBA and BPCA as part of the Alliance for Chemical Associations (ACA) has been pushing for a more workable system that avoids unnecessary duplication and cost while maintaining high regulatory standards.
Earlier this year, it welcomed progress on the Alternative Transitional Registration model while warning that significant challenges remained.
BPCA also discussed the developing relationship between the UK and EU, including the proposed sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with MPs.
Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive, said:
“Pest management has a real stake in the decisions being made about chemical regulation. Our members need a regulatory system that protects people and the environment while making sure professionals can continue to access the tools they need to protect public health.
“Events like this give us an opportunity to make that case directly, build relationships with the people influencing policy and make sure professional pest management isn’t an afterthought when wider chemicals policy is developed.”
A stronger voice for chemicals
The reception also heard from Blair McDougall MP, the Government’s Minister for Reindustrialisation, who spoke about supporting skilled jobs, industrial competitiveness and investment.
Blair was appointed to the role in July and has responsibility for implementing the Government’s industrial strategy.
CBA Chief Executive Tim Doggett used the event to reinforce the association’s call for chemicals to receive greater recognition within government, including a dedicated minister capable of joining up industrial, economic and environmental policy.
There were also useful discussions with former Environment Secretary George Eustice and other parliamentarians about the future direction of chemical regulation.
For BPCA, attendance is part of our wider work to ensure the voice of professional pest management is heard wherever decisions affecting our members are discussed.
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