We want the Government to close what we see as a loophole potentially allowing unchecked honey bee imports from NI into Great Britain. We believe full inspections, destination tracking, bee inspectors in NI, and prioritising local bee breeding are needed to help protect UK bee health.

Since Brexit, we believe honey bee imports via Northern Ireland have bypassed established biosecurity arrangements, risking the introduction of devastating pests like small hive beetle and tropilaelaps mites. Imports from countries such as Italy and Malta may now escape full checks. We believe this threatens UK beekeeping, native honey bees and ecosystems. We think action is needed to prevent potentially serious pest outbreaks.