Labour promises water overhaul plan as MPs seek a sector shake-up

Labour will set out at its September annual party conference “a position that would clean up the water industry in this country, deliver value for money for consumers and bill payers, and finally work in the national interest”.

according to shadow environment secretary, Jim McMahon.

Speaking during a debate on an Urgent Question brought by Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, McMahon said: “Labour does not want to sit on the sidelines and witness our country being turned into an open sewer.” Later in the debate, shadow defence and education minster, Stephen Morgan, shared: "Labour’s plan to clean up the water industry would include cutting sewage discharges by 90%, mandatory monitoring of outlets and automatic fines for discharges.”

MPs from across the political spectrum demonstrated a sense of frustration with the water industry and a desire for real change during the debate. For instance, Nokes, whose Hampshire constituents have suffered three multiple-day water outages in the past five months, argued existing arrangements are simply not driving water companies effectively. “There is the ignominy of being in the Ofwat category of "lagging behind", but that does not seem to have improved Southern Water or Thames Water, which have been in that category for two years running—shame does not appear to be effective," she said.

She went on to add: "There are poor customer satisfaction ratings, but what do they change? There is a requirement to produce an action plan and targeted improvement plans, but by when, and what are the penalties for not delivering on them?…At what point will Defra step in and recognise that the current situation is not working for the companies, the regulator or the poor customer?”

Canterbury’s Labour MP, Rosie Duffield, called for re-nationalisation to be considered: “Profit-driven, largely foreign investors do not prioritise the cleanliness and economy of British beach communities or the way of life in constituencies such as mine. If the companies were answerable directly to the taxpayer, they might start to act at last.”

Water minister, Rebecca Pow ,sought to defend the government’s record, pointing out it is doing more than any previous government in this area.