THE importance of the nation’s waterways could move higher up the political agenda thanks to the formation of a new cross-party group of MPs in Westminster.
The Waterways All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) hosted its inaugural meeting in parliament recently, chaired by Labour MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson.
The Inland Waterways Association hopes the 21-strong group will increase the chances of more government funding for rivers and canals.
Mr Esterson said: “It is not just boaters who make use of our waterways. Canals and rivers are a valuable resource for leisure, active travel, industry, energy, and even in the case of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal as a source for water-borne district heating.
“The tranquillity of time spent by the water, along with the wildlife that thrives around clean waterways, is truly something to be cherished and enhanced. All these interests can coexist, and I look forward to chairing this influential all-party group and highlighting, both in Parliament and beyond, the importance of waterways to our nation’s economy and environment.”
Charlie Norman, director of campaigns and public affairs at the Inland Waterways Association, said: “The IWA warmly welcomes Mr Esterson’s appointment as chair of the APPG. It’s clear that he really grasps the importance, value, and relevance of the UK’s inland waterways and the need for adequate funding. We look forward to working both with him and an almost entirely new slate of members over the course of this parliament.”
