I KNOW that lot of Londoners, especially those of us lucky enough to have gardens, will be concerned about the research from the London Beekeepers' Association showing that the capital has lost half of its bee population in the last two years.

These figures paint a worrying picture. Whilst this is a global problem, London's bee population has been particularly badly affected, and we need urgent action to reverse this trend.

Bees play a vital role in pollinating gardens across the capital and further losses are likely to have a wider effect on biodiversity.

The London Mayor has a role to play in making the case to government that this is a serious problem and we need our Government to help fund international research into colony collapse syndrome.

Although we often take bees for granted, without them Londoners will not be able to fully enjoy the flowers and wildlife of the capital, as well as eat all the foods that need pollinating.

It is therefore important that we do not simply stand by and see our bee population wiped out.

JENNY JONES AM,

Green Party, London Assembly,

City Hall, The Queen's Walk,

London. ..