British rowing has given its backing to the All-Party parliamentary Group (APPG) which has been set up to champion the sport.

The APPG has the remit to “support the sport of rowing both within parliament and outside”, meeting regularly to discuss issues within the activity.

Andy Parkinson, chief executive of British Rowing, said he wanted the national governing body’s support to “enable the group to provide a strong voice for rowing in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond”.

The group is made up of members of all political parties from both the House of Commons and House of Lords, and is chaired by Conservative MP Matthew Offord. It receives no public funding.

“We look forward to working closely with members as they seek to support the sport at all level,” added Parkinson. “British Rowing works hard to promote opportunities for all to get involved in rowing, but some challenges remain.”

Offord said: “British Rowing does excellent work to promote the sport across the country, and the recent success of Team GB illustrates that we are the world’s leading rowing nation.

“The group is determined to help develop the sport even further, and British Rowing’s support will allow the group to tackle issues central to rowing.”