GOVERNMENT MUST REVERSE COURSE ON WATERWAYS CUTS - HUHNE

12.54.35pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 16th Jan 2007

Chris Huhne MP with actor David Suchet aboard the flotilla

The Liberal Democrats have attacked the Government's proposed cuts in waterways funding, on the day that a flotilla of boats sails up the Thames to protest at the cutbacks.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Defra Secretary, Chris Huhne MP, who took part in the protest on the Thames outside parliament, said:

"Our waterways are the lifeblood of many communities. Yet the Government keep making cuts.

"These short-sighted reductions could undo the extraordinary effect canals have had on the fabric of Britain's industrial past and on the revival of communities dependent on canals. Their impact is multiplied because it means that thousands of hours of volunteer help cannot be given.

"Tourism will be the first area to suffer with local pubs and restaurants hit hard, but the environment will also be hit by the under-funding of such sanctuaries of tranquillity.

"With the loss of many skilled jobs looming, the legacy of the recent funding reductions by Defra is likely to be a lasting one.

"Liberal Democrats strongly oppose these cuts as a false economy. That's why we will be proposing to reverse them at a special debate at our spring conference in Harrogate."