Save the bees: British beekeepers protest outside Parliament to call for pesticide ban

LONDON – Scores of worried beekeepers — and a brace of fashionistas — have gathered outside Britain’s Parliament in a bid to convince the government to back a ban on pesticides that have been blamed for a worrying drop in bee populations.

The demonstrators say they hope to influence Britain’s vote next week on a proposed European Union ban on some pesticides.

Some wore beekeepers’ protective costumes or bright bee-like stripes to underscore their point.

Researcher Robert Mitton said Friday there has been a “rapid decline” in bee population and diversity since the pesticides came into use in the 1990s.

Fashion designers Vivienne Westwood and Katharine Hamnett delivered a petition supporting the ban to Prime Minister David Cameron’s residence.

The British government has previously abstained from votes on the EU proposal.