Our Story What we do Position Statements Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet (Vespa Velutina) The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) remains committed to supporting national efforts to monitor, manage, and eradicate the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina), a non-native invasive species that poses a serious threat to pollinators and biodiversity. This threat requires a multi-agency response from a variety of local and central government agencies, as well as active participation by the community as a whole. As a natural stakeholder in any multi-agency response, the BBKA will seek to train and educate its members so they are equipped to support a variety of local and central government agencies including the National Bee Unit (NBU) in their work of monitoring, nest tracking when required and queen trapping in spring. We actively promote the use of bait station monitoring and ‘no kill traps’ to minimise by-catch and uphold responsible environmental practices. A key priority is public awareness. The BBKA encourages all members and the wider public to remain vigilant and report suspected sightings using the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app. Early detection is critical to containment. We urge all beekeepers to follow the NBU guidance and contribute to national surveillance efforts. Together, we can help protect honey bees and native pollinators from this growing threat. Importation of Bees The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) opposes the importation of honey bees, including individual queens, from countries outside the United Kingdom. This position is grounded in our commitment to safeguarding bee health by minimising the risk of introducing pests and diseases. The BBKA continues to advocate for sustainable, locally bred stocks and responsible beekeeping practices across the UK. Prospective purchasers of bees are strongly advised to verify both the origin of any bees offered for sale and the importation regulations relevant to their location. Strengthening the Future of UK Honey Bees The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) is committed to protecting the health and long‑term resilience of the UK’s honey bee population. At the 2022 Annual Delegates Meeting, member associations voted to affirm the BBKA’s opposition to the importation of honey bees—including individual queens—from outside the United Kingdom. This member‑led decision reflects widespread concern about global bee movements and a shared ambition to build strong, sustainable, locally adapted stocks. Imports carry well‑recognised biosecurity risks. The most pressing is the spread of Tropilaelaps mites, now present in Georgia and moving closer to Europe. These mites spread rapidly, cause severe colony losses, and are extremely difficult to control once established. While UK import regulations reduce risk, they cannot eliminate it—particularly where bees or equipment move informally or outside official channels. A precautionary approach is essential to protect UK bee health. The BBKA strongly supports the development of high‑quality UK‑reared queens and regionally adapted bees. Local breeding offers clear benefits: improved suitability to climate and forage, reduced disease risk, and greater long‑term sustainability for beekeepers and the wider environment. Across the country, associations, independent breeders, and community groups are already contributing to stronger local genetics, and the BBKA continues to champion this work through education, training, and collaboration with research partners. A common question is why the BBKA does not currently accept advertising for “UK‑reared” queens. Many reputable breeders are producing excellent queens, and their contribution is valued. However, without an agreed national standard for what “locally reared” means, the BBKA cannot verify claims or ensure consistency across advertising. Developing a clear, fair, and transparent definition will require collaboration across the sector, and the BBKA is actively exploring how this can be achieved. Every beekeeper has a role to play. Learning the basics of making an increase from their own stock is one of the most effective ways to build resilience within local bee populations. Sourcing queens from reputable UK breeders, asking clear questions about origin and husbandry, reporting suspected illegal imports, and participating in local breeding initiatives all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for UK bees and the beekeeping community. Local Honey The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) proudly champions the local honey produced by its members — a natural product shaped by the forage available to bees through the seasons. Its flavour, colour and texture reflect the flowers they visit, from spring blossom to summer clover. Buying local honey supports pollinator health and biodiversity. It helps sustain small-scale beekeepers who care deeply for their bees and the environment. Local honey is a product with provenance — every jar tells a story of place, pollinators and people. Through targeted campaigns, educational resources and community engagement, the BBKA will:• Connect consumers with trusted sources of local honey• Promote the environmental and economic value of supporting British beekeepers We encourage everyone to seek out and enjoy local honey and get to know the beekeepers in their community. The British Beekeepers’ Association Calls for Transparent Honey Labelling The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) - concerned by the 2024 test results* revealing that 9/10 samples from large British retailers failed authenticity tests, is calling on government to adopt the updated EU Honey Directive (2024)**. This directive mandates clear labelling of the country or countries of origin on honey jars - a vital step in helping consumers recognise and choose genuine honey. Transparent labelling protects public trust, supports informed choice and ensures a level playing field for all British beekeepers. * https://www.theguardian.com/food/2024/nov/09/nine-in-ten-honey-samples-from-uk-retailers-fail-authenticity-test ** https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/animal-products/honey_en Neonicotinoids The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) welcomed the decision not to issue a derogation (emergency approval) for neonicotinoid use in 2025, supporting scientific evidence that the potential adverse effects to honey bees and other pollinators is greater than any potential benefits to crop yields of sugar beet. The BBKA continues to oppose neonicotinoids in all circumstances and encourages the Government to uphold a long-term commitment to protecting pollinators, which are vital to both biodiversity and UK food security. . Wasps and honey bees Wasps and honey bees generally co-exist peacefully, but in late summer, common wasps may attack vulnerable hives in search of sugar. While wasps play a vital ecological role in controlling pests and contributing to pollination, beekeepers should take preventative measures to protect colonies during this period. The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) advises against removing wasp nests unless they pose a direct nuisance and encourages practical hive management to reduce risk. Updated: November 2025 Manage Cookie Preferences