Labour support water company profits over cleaning up rivers

Dear Editor

Labour support water company profits over cleaning up rivers

Last Wednesday (24th April) the Labour Party supported the Conservative Government in voting through controversial measures that have weakened the water regulator’s (OFWAT) ability to enforce action to clean up our rivers and beaches.

The Conservatives brought forward measures that effectively mean that OFWAT should prioritise water company profits over action on the environment. It is disappointing that Labour chose to support them, and is further evidence that Labour is backtracking on its environmental commitments.

Whilst canvassing, I have met many people on doorsteps all of whom are looking for change and an end to this divisive, failing and moribund government. The emphasis I get from people is that they want ‘change’ they don’t want more of the status quo. Increasingly it is hard to see what change Labour are really proposing. Mr. Starmer’s message seems to be ‘more of the same, but we’ll be less strident about it’.

The campaign slogan from Labour of ‘get the Tories out’ is unhelpful and self-serving. To what end are we ‘getting them out’? If it is not to enact real change then what is the purpose?

The Liberal Democrats are campaigning for real change in the water companies. No more dividends for overseas shareholders or multi-million £ bonuses for Executives until they get on top of both the sewage crisis and lack of water supply. It is a shame that Labour and the Conservatives see making a profit as a higher priority.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Wooding
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate
Central Devon
Nymet Rowland

Find out more about the Liberal Democrat policy on water companies here.