Pollination expert to be quizzed by MPs on insect decline

A government inquiry into insect decline and UK food security is set to hear evidence from a University of Reading pollination expert.

Professor Simon Potts, Director at the Centre for Agri-environmental Research at the University of Reading, will be responding to concerns that bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects are declining in the UK, which threatens natural processes important in food production.

MPs will examine the latest evidence for insect decline in the UK, the key drivers of insect loss, and the potential impacts on food security and the environment. Professor Potts’s evidence will focus on interpreting insect decline data.

He said: “Pollination by bees and insects contributes more than £600M to the UK economy every year but habitat loss, insecticides, and climate change are harming populations, meaning less food is produced.

“Efforts to support bees have shown promise, but more awareness and coordination are needed to ensure the UK’s food security for future generations.”

Professor Potts, Professor of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, will appear before the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on Wednesday, 7 June.