“Stop lining the pockets of polluters” say Lib Dems as government blocks attempt to make water bosses liable for pollution failures

Trafford’s Liberal Democrats have hit out at Labour MPs after their government blocked an attempt to make water company senior managers liable for pollution failures. 

Leader of Trafford Liberal Democrats Councillor Shaun Ennis said, “Water companies are responsible for thousands of hours of sewage dumping every year.  It’s a national scandal that customers foot the ever-increasing bill while water bosses line their pockets and profit from pollution.” 

“The Labour Government had the opportunity to take action in Parliament, but they failed to support the Liberal Democrat amendment which would have held the senior managers of the water companies to account.  Many Labour MPs, including our own local MP Connor Rand, were elected on a promise to protect our waterways.  It’s deeply disappointing that they offer warm words but not their votes in Parliament.”

The Liberal Democrat amendment to the Policing and Crime Bill was tabled by Greater Manchester MP Lisa Smart – who represents Hazel Grove – and would have created a new offence for water company bosses who fail to meet pollution commitments. 

Councillor Ennis said, “I think people expected a lack of action against pollution from the Tories, but people will be extremely concerned to see Labour blocking attempts to crack down on the water companies.”