MPs raise the alarm on rivers' worsening state

South West MPs have issued a stark warning over the deteriorating state of the UK's rivers and waterways, with raw sewage discharges, crumbling infrastructure and lax regulation at the heart of what has been described as a national disgrace.

- Lewis Clarke

South West MPs have issued a stark warning over the deteriorating state of the UK’s rivers and waterways, with raw sewage discharges, crumbling infrastructure and lax regulation at the heart of what has been described as a national disgrace.

In a passionate debate in Parliament, members highlighted multiple examples of sewage overflows, ecological damage and health risks caused by under-investment in water infrastructure and poorly regulated farming practices.

The Liberal Democrats called for tougher rules, real-time pollution reporting, and structural reform of the water industry.

Brian Mathew, Liberal Democrat MP for Melksham and Devizes, criticised water companies for failing to modernise ageing sewage systems.

He referenced a recent case where Wessex Water was fined £500,000 for discharging raw sewage into Clackers Brook, killing more than 2,000 fish over a 1km stretch.

"These kinds of incidents cannot be allowed to persist," he said. He added that a visit to a constituent's home in West Lavington revealed a chalk stream contaminated with sewage after a manhole burst during heavy rainfall.