Welsh Conservatives in the European Parliament
Dr Kay Swinburne MEP

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Save the Bee
Across the European Union bees are in trouble. Welsh bee populations alone are disappearing at an estimated rate of 39% a year – with one in three colonies wiped out in the last three years. Researchers say there is no single cause of the decline but loss of habitat, chemical exposure and disease have all been blamed.

What is very clear is the catastrophic effect this will have on Europe’s food security. The European Honeybee pollinates over 90 crops – from fruits and vegetables to nuts and grains. It is imperative we act to halt this decline as the loss of this vital link in the food chain presents a huge threat to Britain’s agricultural industry. Without a plan for bees, we have no plan B.

If you want to know more about keeping bees then please contact the Welsh Beekeepers Association at www.wbka.com

The EU is currently funding new research into protecting bees: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/bees/research_en.htm  

Recently, I launched my ‘Save the Bee’ campaign at the Royal Welsh Show to increase public awareness of this terrible situation. Over the summer months I also attended many of the agricultural shows across Wales where it was encouraging to meet so many people who wanted to engage and get involved on this issue. Welsh beekeepers were pleased to see that people were being made aware of this issue and the level of support for their plight was extremely high.
 
We need to remember, this is a Europe-wide problem; we need to further increase funding into research and try to co-ordinate the ongoing research from individual EU countries at EU level so a real difference can be made. It is on issues such as this where Europe as a collective is better placed to act than individual countries. Bees, after all, do not acknowledge borders.

Honeybee health and the challenges for the beekeeping sector 
  
In response to the number of constituent queries I have received regarding the alternative motion for resolution on honeybee health,  proposed by Jill Evans MEP from the Green group, I would like to clarify why I voted against it during the November Plenary session and in favour of the Tabajdi report as drafted.
 
We are all aware the honeybee population has seen a stark decline these past few years which subsequently could have a devastating effect on Europe’s ability to produce crops that require pollination. A number of factors have been attributed to this decline, and Welsh beekeepers, although they are increasing in number, are concerned about their bee population’s long-term survival. Such is the revival of beekeeping in the UK , however, even the London Stock Exchange now boasts beehives on its London city roof.
 
The Tabajdi own initiative report offers a balanced view of reasons for honeybee mortality, and rightly calls for more research funding to be made available from the FP8 programme to focus on bee disease prevention and to find possible solutions to their declining numbers. I therefore hope researchers look globally for case studies and do not begin from a prejudiced viewpoint with regards to certain pesticides and genetic technology. Independent research needs to be just that. Independent and without bias. Current evidence is not conclusive with regards to reasons for recent mortality.  
 
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Welsh Conservatives
20/03/2012
 
Kay Swinburne, Welsh Conservative MEP, along with David Davies MP for Monmouth who is the President of the Welsh Amateur boxing Association will visit Chepstow Amateur Boxing Club on Thursday to meet with head coach and Terry Dymock and his team.
 
Participation in sport by all age groups brings both health and social benefits, and as part of her work on the European Parliament's Culture and Education Committee, through her unique social action project, Kay is visiting young boxers in clubs around Wales.
 
"We are very grateful that Kay has taken an interest in the sport and has been able to assist the club with some much needed equipment - raising funds can be very difficult and every little helps," said Terry Dymock who runs the small club in Chepstow.
 
David Davies MP, the Tory 'Tornado' and President of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association, is backing Kay's effort to encourage as many young people to participate in sport as possible. "As an active boxer myself, I know the benefits of regular training for young people, and it's great to see Kay engage with young people in this way. I am pleased that Kay can support a local club in my area."
 
As part of a wider social action project, Kay is working with clubs across Wales to help provide some basic equipment to assist young people as they progress in the sport. "Terry and his team are doing a fantastic job in Chepstow and I am pleased we can support the great work he is doing in the local community. Currently, there are 113 affiliated clubs throughout Wales with approximately 4,600 members, including many 10 to 24 year olds. Wales has a history of nurturing world class boxing athletes and I am hugely supportive of our youth taking part in any sport.
 
"I look forward to following their progress as they compete in tournaments across Wales."
19/03/2012
My congratulations to the Welsh Rugby Team who have made Wales so proud after their outstanding performances in this year’s Six Nations Championship.  Their success in achieving the Grand Slam has brought the attention of the world onto Wales and has showcased the very best of Wales’ talent.  Llongyfarchiadau!  
08/03/2012
 
Kay is pleased to be supporting World Kidney Day 2012. You can find more information at http://www.worldkidneyday.co.uk/
and further information can be found in the 'Article' section of this website.
Contact Us
Dr Kay Swinburne MEP
Rhumney House
Copse Walk
Cardiff Gate Business Park
Cardiff
CF23 8RB

Tel: 029 2054 0895
kayswinburnemep@welshconservatives.com

National Political Party: Conservative Party
European Group: European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR)

European Conservative and Conformist Group
© Copyright Kay Swinburne 2012 | All rights reserved. | Photographs of the Parliament supplied by Adam Issacs.
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