Commenting on news today (Thursday 13 June 2013) that a third of honey bee colonies did not survive the winter following last year's wash-out summer, Friends of the Earth’s Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said: “This is very bad news - the terrible weather has clearly had a major impact.

“Ministers must take urgent steps to monitor and safeguard all our bees, not just honey bees, and reduce the other threats they face such as pesticide-use and habitat loss.

“Our call for a Bee Action Plan is supported by hundreds of MPs, businesses such as the Co-op and B&Q, and thousands of individuals – it’s time for the Government to act.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.    Honey bee colony losses worst since winter survival study began – BBKA press release: http://www.bbka.org.uk/news_and_events/bbka_winter_survival_survey

2.    Friends of the Earth’s The Bee Cause campaign is supporting individuals to make change in their gardens and communities to help bees, and asking the Prime Minister to commit to a national Bee Action Plan. To support the call to David Cameron and find out what else you can do to help bees, visit The Bee Cause webpage www.foe.co.uk/bees.