Revenge of the beekeepers: Cameron

A sting in the tale: Cameron slapped down by the beekeepers

A sting in the tale: Cameron slapped down by the beekeepers

The prime minister's claim to be a life patron of the Oxfordshire Beekeepers' Association during last week's PMQs has been shown to be false – by the association's current president.

John Craven, the presenter on Countryfile who also acts as the current president, wrote to David Cameron to gently remind him that he stepped down after five years in the role.

He also added a hint of criticism of the prime minister's continued commitment to the issues facing beekeepers.

"I would like it if he [the prime minister] showed more interest," he added.

Beekeepers are angry at government plans to vote against a ban on neonicotinoids in Brussels today.

The pesticide has been linked to a decline in bees in several studies.

"Every beekeeper has his own opinion, some are more concerned than others," Craven observed.

In a statement, No. 10 said: "The prime minister has a long and happy connection with the Oxfordshire Bee Keepers' Association.

"For some years he was honorary president. This position recently came to an end.

"The prime minister is a strong advocate of beekeeping in his constituency and as he said in the House it's important we look after our bee population."