ARKLESS APPOINTED VICE CHAIR OF APPG ON BEES

 
Dumfries and Galloway MP Richard Arkless has been appointed Vice chairman of a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bees.

Worldwide bee populations have struggled under pressures from loss of habitat and the adverse effects of neonicotinoid agricultural pesticides. These pesticides are thought to impair the bees’ ability to forage for nectar and return to their hives. In the UK we have lost around 50% of our Bee population over the last 25 years.
Commenting, Mr Arkless said:
“Bees, pesticides and neonicotinoids are things I knew little about before becoming an MP – but it is obviously such an important issue – and one which has really grabbed my attention since May 8th.”
“Many constituents from across Dumfries and Galloway have contacted me since my election concerned about the declining number of bees both locally, nationally and in fact throughout Europe. Bees are the worlds most important pollinators of food crops, responsible for pollinating 84% of the crops grown for human consumption. To put it bluntly, without Bees, human beings wouldn’t have much to eat.”
Scotland’s honey bee population has continuously declined over the past decade largely due to excessively wet spring and summer weather conditions. Honey bees are unable to forage for pollen and nectar in wet weather.
Mr Arkless added:
“The purpose of the group is to educate other MPs and members of the public about the importance of bees. I am delighted to be both a founding member of this group and Vice chair. Fortunately, there is much that can be done to help ours bees. By working with farmers and community groups we can encourage many small changes that really make a difference to the survival of these much needed insects.”