South Cambs MP Votes Against Law To Criminalise Water Companies For Sewage Spills
On Wednesday, Conservative MPs including South Cambs MP Anthony Browne voted against a new law which would have seen water companies in court for sewage spills.
The vote in Parliament took place on the same day a BBC report found sewage had been illegally dumped in the UNESCO protected Lake Windermere in the Lake District. The new law, opposed by Conservative MPs, would have created criminal offences for failing to meet pollution performance commitment levels, ensuring the polluting firms would go to court and face punishments including fines. The Environment Agency has previously called on water company Chief Executives and board members to face criminal charges, including court imposed fines.
Despite cross-party support for the amendment, over 250 Conservative MPs voted against it.
Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for South Cambridgeshire, Pippa Heylings said:
"It is shocking that Conservative MPs in our area have voted against this tough action on polluting water firms.
This is a national scandal which has blighted our own community. Water companies should have their day in court for environmental vandalism."
This law would have delivered justice for swimmers, wildlife and local rivers. Yet Conservative MPs shamelessly opposed it. They simply don’t care about our environment.
"It is particularly disappointing, especially after local communities and campaign groups have secured bathing site designation for River Cam due to its significance but also because of concerns at its poor water quality with high e. Coli levels.
Currently bathing site designation is the only way to oblige water companies to clean up their act immediately. This Lib Dem amendment would have strengthened the requirement on water companies to clean up their act now because it’s their duty.
Our community needs a new MP who will actually get tough on water firms. At the next General Election, I will pledge to stand up for our environment and vote to get a grip on these polluting companies."
PIPPA HEYLINGS, LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PARLIMENTARY CANDIDATE FOR SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE
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