Last week, I hosted a reception in Parliament for British Canoeing, in support of their ‘Clear Access, Clear Waters’ campaign.
This campaign is about improving access to Britain’s waterways for canoeing, kayaking and watersports. 96% of Britain’s inland waterways are currently off-limits for the public, and being out on the water is not only good for health and wellbeing, but paddlesports also are an important part of our local economies.
British Canoeing are seeking government support for their three key asks, which are:
- Expand our freedom to enjoy more of our inland water
- Go further, faster to recover our blue spaces from pollution
- Educate, inspire and inform responsible, sustainable behaviour
I am supportive of British Canoeing’s Clear Access, Clear Waters campaign and was glad that so many parliamentarians and affected groups were able to attend this reception. I hope that the government will be able to find a compromise between the rights of farmers and landowners, and public access to Britain’s great waterways.