Andrew George, MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Constituency of St. Ives, has welcomed the Government’s announced increase in bee health funding. The Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn has acknowledged the importance of bees in the British countryside, confirming a funding package worth £4.3 million over the next five years.

There has been a devastating loss of bee colonies in recent years, with one in three colonies dying out in 2008. In response to the development, Mr George has been supporting a coalition of interest groups who have been lobbying the government on the need for an increase in bee health funding. In November 2008, the campaign for increased investment culminated with the British Beekeeper’s Association (BBKA) presenting a petition to No10 Downing Street calling for more funding. Mr George joined the petitioners, who had attracted more than 130,000 signatures from a broad cross section of interest groups and individuals.

Mr George has also raised these concerns with Government Ministers during 2008 and requested an acknowledgment of the importance of bee health to a functioning countryside. He met with Cornish beekeepers on the day that the BBKA petition was presented; affirming his support for their cause and recognising the vital role that bee keepers play in maintaining the Cornish environment.

“I am delighted that research into bee health has been granted much needed extra resources. The sum of £4.3 million is not as much we had hoped for, but will be welcome to the bee keeping community,” said the MP.

“I hope that this money will enable the research teams to gain a greater understanding about what is causing colony collapse on this scale. Time is running out and robust research is needed to advise the industry how best to get our bee population back on the road to recovery.”