Lib Dems in call for 'practical solutions' - not words - to end 'sewage scandal'

THE Liberal Democrats have called for “more than just words” to stop sewage being spilled into rivers and seas, as the Government restated its pledge to improve the water industry.

- By HARRY TAYLOR AND RHIANNON JAMES, PA

The party's environment spokesman and former leader Tim Farron urged ministers to introduce “practical solutions” to keep rivers clean and safe.

The Liberal Democrats tabled a Commons motion calling on the Government to take “urgent action to end the sewage scandal”, including the introduction of a new “Blue Flag status” for rivers and chalk streams.

The proposal is designed to give waterways greater protection against sewage dumping and ensure the public knows when rivers are clean and safe.

In response, Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the amount of sewage entering rivers, lakes and seas was a “national disgrace”.

He said it was wrong that parents had to worry about the health of their children if they were playing in rivers or seas.

Mr Farron told the Commons: “Our proposal today aims to highlight the scandal of the pollution of our waterways and it calls for some practical solutions that will make a difference.

“The Government's recent Water Act was a step in the right direction following the failure of the last Conservative government to take meaningful action.

“Yet that Act was surely also a missed opportunity for the radical transformation of regulation and of ownership that is essential if we're going to clean up our waterways and clean up the water industry as a whole.