Bees: Conservation

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 26 October 2016.

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Photo of The Marquess of Lothian The Marquess of Lothian Conservative

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to protect the UK's bee population against the invasive and predatory Asian hornet (Vespa velutina).

Photo of Lord Gardiner of Kimble Lord Gardiner of Kimble The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

A contingency plan outlining the Government’s response against the Asian hornet is in place. The emergency measures it sets out are tested twice a year by the National Bee Unit (NBU) ensuring that all field inspectors and support staff are trained in how to respond should an outbreak occur.

Following a confirmed sighting of the Asian hornet in Gloucestershire, the NBU enacted our established biosecurity protocols to confirm the scale of the outbreak and eradicate the pest. A single nest was located and destroyed. To date, no more live hornets have been seen in this area.

The outbreak follows on from a policy review in 2013 whereby the NBU increased the number of risk-based exotic pest inspections it carries out each year. These are targeted at early interception of non-native invasive species such as the Asian hornet. NBU Bee Inspectors also routinely provide advice and training to beekeepers to raise awareness of the threat and the need for vigilance.

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