Sewage Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Joshua Reynolds
Main Page: Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat - Maidenhead)Department Debates - View all Joshua Reynolds's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(1 day, 19 hours ago)
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Steve Reed
I do not think that decisions taken by the coalition Government were the fault of the previous Labour Government. I am merely gently pointing out that the Liberal Democrats did have a chance to reset regulation in the way that this Government are now doing. Where they offer their support for that work, I am grateful for it; by working constructively right across the House, we can make sure that we now reset a water sector that has failed the public, consumers’ investment and the environment for far too long.
Mr Joshua Reynolds (Maidenhead) (LD)
In my constituency, the Cut runs from Binfield all the way through to the Thames. That river had 615 hours-worth of sewage pumped into it last year, and my constituent Danny’s dog had to be put down, having got so ill from swimming in that water. Does the Secretary of State agree that no matter how many fines we levy against Thames Water, which ultimately come back to our bills—we have to pay for them—they will do absolutely nothing to deter the shareholders and make them invest properly where needed?
Steve Reed
The hon. Gentleman makes a very powerful case for why reform is so desperately needed. My condolences to the owner of the dog—that is a terrible thing to happen to anybody.