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National Trails
09 September 2025
Lead MP
Freddie van Mierlo
Henley and Thame
LD
Responding Minister
Mary Creagh
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Word Count: 4504
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Freddie van Mierlo raised concerns about national trails in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Funding is needed to repair the Marsh Lock bridge near Henley-on-Thames, estimated at £2.5 million. Further action is required to prohibit recreational motorised vehicles on the Ridgeway trail to prevent damage.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
National trails have faced significant funding cuts over the past decade, resulting in a 30% real-terms cut. Funding began to rise with inflation in 2023 but does not account for the lost decade. The Thames Path and Ridgeway in Freddie van Mierlo's constituency face issues such as closed bridges and damage from recreational vehicles.
Roz Savage
LD
South Cotswolds
Funding the Thames Path adequately is essential for protecting habitats and contributing to biodiversity targets in South Cotswolds. Raised concerns about climate impacts on national trails and suggested expanding funding for environmental incidents to cover storm damage and flooding.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The Ulster Way in Northern Ireland faces issues with signposting, overgrown paths and access. The hon. Member agrees that these walks need protection and maintenance by relevant agencies.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Highlights the economic benefits of national trails in his constituency, suggesting a south-west inland path to maintain hospitality jobs. Asked the Minister to commend the section between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth in his constituency, highlighting the work of the National Trust.
Member for Henley and Thame
Discussed the new Coast to Coast Path national trail, its benefits for recreation and tourism, and addressed points raised by another MP regarding statutory purposes and funding.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Services along national trails are crucial, particularly public facilities such as toilets. Local councils should maintain these services for both locals and walkers.
Government Response
Mary Creagh
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government Response
Acknowledges the hon. Member's interest in the Thames Path and expresses commitment to protecting, enhancing, and expanding access to national trails by drawing parallels with long-distance paths in other countries.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.