U.K. Beekeepers Plan Massive Demonstration

The other day I wrote about recent research into bee problems, and their discussion at an international conference in the U.K. On a more aggressive front, beekeepers in the U.K. have had about enough of government talk, and are going to take to the streets to get those in charge off the dime and take some action.

For the past six months The British Beekeepers’ Association has been letting the world know that they and their bees are having problems. Articles in the press, interviews on radio and TV both national and local ... they’ve let the public know there’s something going on that’s going to affect the public, and something needs to be done. Plus, associations and even individuals have carried a petition demanding government action on the matter and now have over 100,000 signatures. Funding for additional research has been promised by some businesses with more to come it is expected. End phase one.

Phase two. Take to the streets.

On Nov. 5 hundreds, maybe thousands of British Beekeepers will demonstrate in front of 10 Downing Street with their smokers lit and placards on high demanding more action from the government to fix the honey bee problem. After the smoke-in (does that bring back images of the 60s or what?), the beekeepers will head over to Parliament to get some face time with their MPs to get action started there.

Beekeepers have been instructed to wear only their best ... freshly washed beesuits ... and to bring an umbrella ... it does rain in London in November. Plus, bring your smoker and some fuel to make a show. Placards will be supplied by the BBKA....

Except in the U.S., beekeepers storming the barricades demanding government action is not uncommon. One disgruntled U.S. beekeeper suggested we drive a few hundred semis loaded with bee hives full of bees down Pennsylvania avenue and double park them where ever it seems convenient. That might get some attention.

Who’s going to argue with several billion honey bees?

Bees are important in most places – there have been demonstrations in France, Spain and other countries ... perhaps this action by the British will rub off and we’ll see something more aggressive by U.S. beekeepers if more bees die this winter.

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