Rapid decline of bees of grave concern: Durkan

He pointed out that if bees disappeared it would cost £1.8bn a year for farmers to pollinate their crops by hand sending food prices skywards.

The disappearance of bees, however, would likely lead to much worse than higher food prices. Albert Einstein suggested that if honey bees disappeared humans will follow before the next scheduled World Cup, whilst ‘colony collapse disorder’ is already causing grave concern amongst environmentalists and some farmers.

Mr Durkan said: “I am extremely concerned about the rapid decline of bees in Britain and Ireland. They’re not only an iconic part of our countryside; they play a vital role in pollinating our crops and flowers too.

“It is great news that Friends of the Earth is creating a buzz about these crucially important insects. I will therefore be doing all I can to support this important campaign and press the government to urgently introduce a National Bee Action Plan.”

Friends of the Earth’s Executive Director Andy Atkins said: “I’m delighted Mark Durkan is showing support for our threatened bees - they are under severe threat and need all the support they can get.

“People can help by creating bee-friendly gardens and habitats to enable bees to thrive, but it is vital that the Government does its bit too by introducing a National Bee Action Plan.”

Friends of the Earth’s Bee Cause campaign is asking David Cameron to adopt a National Bee Action Plan to ensure towns and countryside provide bees with enough flowers to feed on and places to nest; to help farmers, gardeners and park keepers to reduce chemicals that harm bees; and to protect the UK’s 250 plus bee species, not only the ones who make our honey.

Mr Durkan is one of more than 125 MPs to show their support for the threatened bees. Last year Friends of the Earth launched its Bee Cause campaign, which has been backed by more than 80,000 people and calls for the government to urgently introduce a National Bee Action Plan aimed at saving our bees.