St Ives MP Andrew George and Liberal Democrat colleagues have called for more urgency in dealing with the sewage crisis which plagues Britain’s coastlines, lakes, and rivers.
Andrew George MP
He was speaking in the Commons as the government announced a new Independent Water Commission to deliver the biggest review of the industry since privatisation.
Environment secretary Steve Reid MP explained that the government couldn’t re-nationalise water companies as many MPs may prefer.
Mr George described water companies as “risk-free, money-printing emporiums which pollute our coasts at their convenience”.
He added: “Whilst a review is welcome, it should not be used as a tool to kick the can down the road on the many reforms which can be implemented now.
“Though re-nationalisation is understandably ruled out, I hope the government will look at other forms of corporate governance, perhaps more akin to a community benefit society, and to consider placing a community environmental champion (not in the pay of the companies of course) on every board.
“It is time to put an end to profit before the environment in the water industry, and end this national scandal.”
