Robin Swann welcomes UK DEFRA support after Asian Hornet sighting in Northern Ireland

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed confirmation from Environment Minister Mary Creagh MP that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are now assisting Northern Ireland officials following the first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet.

Minister Creagh confirmed to Mr Swann that DEFRA and APHA had “worked closely with officials from Northern Ireland to help them prepare and publish a contingency plan for action against Asian hornets,” and that inspectors from APHA’s National Bee Unit and Non-Native Species Inspectorate had provided on-the-ground support after the 10 October sighting.

Mr Swann said:

“I want to thank the Minister, DEFRA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency for stepping in to provide expert assistance to Northern Ireland in dealing with this confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet. This cooperation is absolutely vital to protect our bee populations and wider biodiversity.”

However, the Ulster Unionist MP expressed concern that help was only sought once the invasive species had been detected.

He highlighted that Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir MLA had previously indicated that his department did not require any external assistance from DEFRA, despite the absence of a Northern Ireland Bee Inspector.

Mr Swann said:

“It is deeply disappointing that it took an actual sighting of the Asian Hornet in Northern Ireland for the Minister to seek the help that was always available.

“When it comes to biosecurity and pollinator health, we cannot afford to let pride come before preparedness. DAERA should have been proactive in drawing on the expertise of DEFRA and APHA much earlier.”

Mr Swann said he would continue to press both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that lessons are learned and that sufficient resources are in place for future responses.

“The sighting of the Asian Hornet should be a wake-up call. We need a robust, joined-up approach to protect Northern Ireland’s hives and pollinators, and that means working constructively with DEFRA and other partners,” he added.

The confirmed presence of an Asian Hornet — a species known for preying on honeybees — has sparked concern among environmental groups and beekeepers across the UK. The species poses a serious threat to native pollinators and can disrupt ecosystems if not swiftly controlled.

Mr Swann’s remarks come amid renewed calls for DAERA to strengthen its biosecurity measures and reinstate a dedicated bee inspector to improve surveillance and rapid response capabilities in Northern Ireland.