Today the Liberal Democrats will launch a new campaign against Defra's environmental budget cuts, which has meant a 7% cut to British Waterways funds in the last year with the loss of 180 jobs.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"These redundancies show Defra's budget cuts beginning to bite. Our canal networks will suffer as a result, together with a whole range of environmental and rural services.

"These cuts put our canals and waterways under threat, impacting on a wide range of users including boat owners, holidaymakers, anglers and ramblers. Canals are also important community assets and provide both recreation and a natural environment in many urban areas.

"David Miliband must come before Parliament to explain the causes and consequences of these cuts in full. It is essential he confirms why the shortfalls weren't covered by contingency funds. Some of these cuts may appear small, but have big consequences."