DEFRA sewage policy: A pathetic and insulting attempt to save face
EMBARGO: Immediate release
The Liberal Democrats have branded DEFRA's latest policy announcment on water companies "insulting".
Fines against water companies for polluting rivers will now be ring-fenced for DEFRA, however the companies are allowed to continue the sewage discharges whilst making execessive profits.
Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson Tim Farron said:
“This is a pathetic and insulting attempt to save face about the sewage crisis.
"The fines aren't working. Every day these polluting firms poison our rivers whilst they rake in multi billion pound profits. The whole thing stinks.
"These Conservative Ministers voted against banning sewage being dumped into rivers and beaches. They must U-turn before more harm is done. They should impose a Sewage Tax and stop letting water firms profit off destroying the environment "
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Today DEFRA announced:
Water company fines to be channelled into environmental improvements
- Money from fines will be ring-fenced for work to improve water quality
- Move comes as water companies were fined tens of millions of pounds last year
- Plans form part of an ongoing push to address water pollution
