MP is creating a buzz about threatened bees

 
Published in the Portsmouth News on Saturday 2nd March 2013

Story by Elise Brewerton

She is one of more than 125 MPs to show their support for Britain’s threatened bee population.

Friends of the Earth say bees are not only makers of honey, they are also crucial for pollinating crops and plants.

A sharp fall in their number in recent years has led to growing concerns about the impact this may have on our local environment, farmers and the economy.

Miss Mordaunt said: ‘I’m extremely concerned about the rapid decline in British bees.

‘They’re not only an iconic part of our countryside, they play a vital role in pollinating our crops and flowers too.

‘It’s great news that Friends of the Earth is creating a buzz about these crucially important insects – I’ll be doing all I can to help protect our bees in 2013.’

Last year, Friends of the Earth launched its Bee Cause campaign, which has been backed by more than 80,000 people and calls for the government to urgently to introduce a national bee action plan aimed at saving our bees. A study last year found that if bees disappeared it would cost British farmers at least £1.8bn a year to pollinate their crops by hand – which would cause food prices, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, to rocket.

Friends of the Earth’s executive director Andy Atkins said: ‘I’m delighted Penny is showing support for Britain’s threatened bees.

‘They are under severe threat and need all the support they can get.

‘People up and down the country can help by creating bee-friendly gardens and habitats to enable bees to thrive, but it is vital that the government does its bit too by introducing a National Bee Action Plan.’

Mr Atkins has asked David Cameron to adopt the plan to ensure towns and countryside provide bees with enough flowers to feed on and places to nest, to help farmers, gardeners and park keepers to reduce chemicals that harm bees.