Lib Dems push PM Andy Burnham on water industry reform by year-end
Opposition demands action on water pollution and Thames Water woes
The Liberal Democrats have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to come to Parliament and explain his plans for the water industry if he does not publish a comprehensive plan by the end of the year.
Their demand follows a joint report from regulators last week revealing persistent pollution issues despite a £5 billion investment.
Tim Farron, the Lib Dem environment spokesman, criticised Burnham's past conference rhetoric, saying, "speeches don’t stop sewage, and families paying ever higher bills can’t wait years for a 10-year plan to start."
Farron highlighted Thames Water's ongoing financial troubles and criticised the recycling of staff between regulators and companies they are supposed to oversee, as well as the poor conditions of rivers, stating, "Thames Water is still limping on, the regulators are still recycling staff into the companies they’re meant to police, and our rivers are still being used as open sewers."
The Liberal Democrats have outlined their own proposals, including placing Thames Water into special administration and scrapping Ofwat.
They urge the Government to act decisively on these issues, with Farron adding, "What is the Government waiting for?"