đź’§ Rivers, Lakes and Seas: Water Quality

Westminster Hall

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MPs passionately debated the severe decline in water quality across the UK’s rivers, lakes, and seas, highlighting widespread pollution issues. They criticized the previous Conservative Government for inaction and welcomed the new Labour Government’s initiatives, such as the Water (Special Measures) Bill, aimed at holding water companies accountable. Local campaign groups were praised for their efforts in monitoring and advocating for cleaner waterways. The Minister emphasized ongoing efforts to collaborate with stakeholders and promised further action to restore water quality.

Summary

  • Catherine Fookes (Lab) introduced the debate on water quality in rivers, lakes, and seas, highlighting personal experiences and the decline in water quality over time.

  • Jesse Norman (Con) mentioned a previous Conservative plan for the River Wye, expressing concern over discontinued funding and urging continued government support for river restoration.

  • Catherine Fookes criticized the Conservative approach, emphasizing the new Labour Government’s actions to address water quality issues more aggressively.

  • Various MPs shared local issues:
    • Robin Swann (UUP) discussed Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, mentioning severe cyanobacteria blooms and the need for collaborative action with farmers.
    • Peter Swallow (Lab) highlighted sewage issues in Bracknell, supporting the Water (Special Measures) Bill to hold water companies accountable.
    • Cameron Thomas (LD) spoke about the polluted state of the Rivers Avon and Severn in Tewkesbury, advocating for public benefit companies and regulatory changes.
    • Julie Minns (Lab) discussed the impact of sewage pollution on local businesses like Hidden River Cabins in Carlisle and welcomed government action.
    • David Chadwick (LD) emphasized the pollution affecting the Rivers Wye, Usk, and Towy, calling for stronger regulations and enforcement.

  • Andrew Cooper (Lab) focused on the state of Mid Cheshire’s waterways, praising community efforts and new government initiatives.

  • Jim Shannon (DUP) addressed Northern Ireland’s water quality issues, mentioning agricultural pollution and government initiatives to improve water quality.

  • Julia Buckley (Lab) raised concerns about sewage dumping in Shrewsbury and its impact on tourism and public health, but praised the Water (Special Measures) Bill.

  • Clive Jones (LD) expressed frustration with Thames Water’s management and advocated for special administrative regimes to ensure better accountability.

  • Joe Morris (Lab) highlighted sewage pollution’s impact on tourism in Hexham, supporting government actions to penalize water companies.

  • Ellie Chowns (Green) stressed the effects of pollution on the Herefordshire economy and the need for specific measures to tackle agricultural pollution.

  • Alison Hume (Lab) discussed the pollution’s threat to the River Esk and its wildlife, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and regulation.

  • Pippa Heylings (LD) focused on the importance of protecting rare chalk streams in South Cambridgeshire, calling for holistic regulatory reviews.

  • Olivia Bailey (Lab) addressed the decline of the River Pang and Kennet, urging action against phosphate pollution from Thames Water.

  • Danny Chambers (LD) noted the ecological significance of chalk streams in Winchester and pushed for special protective status for them.

  • Anna Gelderd (Lab) discussed the impact of sewage dumping on South East Cornwall’s tourism and wildlife, and supported the Water (Special Measures) Bill.

  • Dave Robertson (Lab) mentioned a serious pollution incident involving hydrocarbons in Lichfield, advocating for better resourcing of the Environment Agency.

  • Tim Farron (LD) highlighted extensive sewage dumping in Westmorland and Lonsdale’s waterways, criticizing the regulatory framework and calling for radical change.

  • Robbie Moore (Con) defended the Conservative government’s actions, including the Environment Act 2021 and increased monitoring of storm overflows, and questioned the Labour government’s current plans.

  • Emma Hardy (Lab, Minister) responded to various points, emphasizing the current government’s commitment to improving water quality, investing in infrastructure, and collaborating across regions to tackle issues like those in the River Wye.

Divisiveness

The session displayed a moderate level of disagreement, primarily revolving around the effectiveness and allocation of past and current government actions on water quality. The debate included various criticisms and defenses of previous Conservative policies, with Labour Members frequently highlighting perceived failures over the last 14 years, while the Conservative speaker defended those measures as constructive steps. Disagreement was evident on specific issues such as the River Wye action plan and the water restoration fund, with differing opinions on their efficacy and funding. However, there was also a significant level of agreement on the urgency of addressing water quality, the importance of the new Water (Special Measures) Bill, and the need for collaborative efforts across constituencies and political lines. The overall tone suggested a constructive dialogue with clear points of contention yet a shared underlying goal to improve water quality.