Thank you for all of those who took the time to contact me about canals. These waterways hold a special place in our hearts, steeped in history and industrial heritage while providing a haven for biodiversity and promoting well-being.

Our canals serve as an integral component of the Government's efforts to reintroduce biodiversity into nature. Beyond their historical significance, they also offer a captivating backdrop to the health and well-being routines of many. It fills me with pride to know that approximately 800 million visits are made to our canals each year, a testament to their undeniable importance in the fabric of the UK.

Taking charge of nurturing and maintaining 2,000 miles of waterways and the associated historic industrial infrastructure in England and Wales is the esteemed Canal & River Trust. This admirable organisation diligently ensures the navigability and safety of the waterways, including reservoirs and embankments. The Government duly recognises the pivotal role played by the Canal & River Trust in contributing to the Environmental Improvement Plan, championing the cause of ecological balance and sustainability.

Over the years, the Canal & River Trust has received substantial support, with £550 million of Government funding to date. While there is no obligation to extend funding beyond 2027, I am pleased to inform you that the Government, subject to certain conditions, has proposed a new long-term funding package of over £400 million. This financial commitment reflects the value we place on preserving our canals as vibrant hubs of cultural heritage and natural abundance.

Since its establishment as a private charity independent of the Government in 2012, the Canal & River Trust has consistently strived towards increasing financial self-sufficiency. Ministers have been steadfast in their vision of fostering independence through access to new charitable income streams and stimulating greater efficiency. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Canal & River Trust in June 2012 outlines this commitment, and I am delighted to share that the new funding deal for 2027 to 2037 continues to uphold this objective.

In addition to the Government's continued support, Defra has been actively collaborating with the charity to explore avenues for increasing income from various sources. This partnership aims to enhance the financial resilience of the Canal & River Trust while preserving its heritage and community-driven ethos.

Our canals are not merely remnants of the past, they are living testimonies to the interconnectedness of history, nature, and human well-being. Together, we celebrate the canals as essential guardians of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Once again, thank you for all those who took the time to contact me, it is much appreciated.