The British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA) has insisted that the UK's bee population needs protecting.

Figures from the organisation showed that nearly one in five honey bees died last winter, with the death rates being particularly high in the north of England.

The BBKA described this figure as unacceptable and has called for action to be taken, such as research into the causes and remedies for diseases that may be affecting the insects.

Tim Lovett, president of the organisation, commented: "Similar losses of livestock in other areas of farming such as the beef or dairy sectors would be rightly seen as disastrous with dramatic effects on food prices."

He noted that bees are very important to the economy because of their pollination skills.

Mr Lovett warned that if the current rate of decline in the bee population persists, the country's food supplies could be in jeopardy.

This comes shortly after the Public Accounts Committee warned that the government is not doing enough to curb the decline in the UK's bee population.

Edward Leigh, chairman of the group of MPs, said this state of affairs is "difficult to understand".