Britain’s canals and rivers

That this House notes with concern the strain being placed on Britain’s canals and rivers by funding shortfalls and growing climate pressures; recognises that, with 2°C of global warming, an estimated 99% of navigable waterways will face heightened risk, with nearly 75% already facing financial peril; further notes the importance of Britain’s waterways, which provide free public access to nature, are estimated to save the NHS £1.5 billion annually, and support more than 80,000 jobs; calls on the Government to provide waterways with consistent support and funding to maintain our canals and rivers; and further calls on the Government to improve the surface of canal and river towpaths for wildlife habitats and public use, working with the Canal and River Trust and building on the success of Fibreways.