MPs gathered in Westminster this Insect Week to pledge their support for insect life at the launch of a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) that will champion bees, pollinators and invertebrates.
Bringing together MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum, the APPG for Bees, Pollinators and Invertebrates aims to raise awareness of the vital roles that insects play in ecosystems, agriculture, and the economy. The group will support evidence-based policymaking that protects and promotes healthy insect populations in the UK and globally.
From left to right: Matt Turmaine MP (Labour, Watford), Julia Buckley MP (Labour, Shrewsbury), Katie White MP (Labour, Leeds North West), Fran Sconce, Senior Learning & Outreach Officer, the Royal Entomological Society, Barry Gardiner MP (Labour, Brent West), Lord Randall (Conservative), Daisy Cooper MP (Liberal Democrat, St Albans), Simon Ward, CEO, the Royal Entomological Society, John Slinger MP (Labour, Rugby)The Royal Entomological Society will serve as the group’s secretariat, with Barry Gardiner MP (Lab, Brent West) confirmed as Chair. A group of 47 MPs attended the inaugural meeting and took part in the pledge to #StandTallForTheSmall, committing to engaging in various activities to discover, observer and protect insects, and encouraging their constituents to do the same.
Speaking at the launch of the new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Bees, Pollinators and Invertebrates, Barry Gardiner MP said:
“Insects are a foundational part of life on earth – they pollinate our crops, enrich our soils and support our ecosystems but we are experiencing a climate crisis which is resulting in global biodiversity loss. As parliamentarians, we have a unique opportunity to better understand the role insects play in our environment and to encourage measures that support their recovery. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to ensure these small but essential creatures receive the attention they deserve.”
Simon Ward, CEO of the Royal Entomological Society, who has been instrumental in setting up the new APPG, said:
“Insect science holds the answers to some of our most pressing environmental concerns, but we need more people to recognise the crucial role insects play to ensure we can survive as a species. It is fitting that during Insect Week 2025 we have paved the way for more joined-up conversations about insects and invertebrates within Westminster through the launch of this new APPG.”
Insects play a key role in supporting ecosystems, food systems, and overall environmental health. However, many species are experiencing pressures from habitat change, pollution, climate shifts, and land-use practices. The APPG aims to provide a forum for exploring practical solutions to support insect conservation and better integrate scientific insight into national strategy.
The group will focus on new research both in the academic and applied sectors and how this can be used to independently inform parliamentarians when focusing on various areas of policy. Upcoming discussions may include:
- The recently opened DEFRA consultation on expanding the role of the private sector in nature recovery and growth
- The potential impacts of the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme being paused and impacts on pollinators and invertebrates
- A new UK National Pollinator Strategy
- The parliamentary enquiry into insect declines and food security, including citizen science programmes such as the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS)
The launch of the APPG reflects growing recognition that insect protection is not only a conservation issue, but also a matter of long-term environmental and economic sustainability. By supporting collaboration between scientists, policymakers and the public, the group aims to help shape an informed and balanced approach to environmental stewardship.
The Royal Entomological Society, which has led efforts to promote insect science for over 180 years, will work with the APPG to ensure that decisions in Westminster are grounded in robust scientific evidence. Through this initiative, the Society hopes to inspire greater public understanding and political support for protecting invertebrates – and by extension, the ecosystems we all rely on.
Everyone can pledge to help insects thrive.
Barry Gardiner MP (Labour, Brent West) holding the PledgeFollow us on social media for updates and share your insect news and events using #InsectWeek
