That this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. I begin by thanking Ashley Paul Smith, who is sitting in the Public Gallery, for pulling together …..." Paul Davies - View Speech
"As I run through my speech, the hon. Gentleman will find a theme of strong support for public ownership of the water sector throughout. We absolutely must look at that option.
Ash’s petition calls for
“a binding national referendum on whether the water industry should be returned to public ownership…A …..." Paul Davies - View Speech
"I will make a little progress; otherwise, I am not going to get past the next few paragraphs.
In 1989, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sold off our then publicly owned water and sewerage industry for £5.2 billion, arguing that privatisation would bring desperately needed investment to the sector. She told …..." Paul Davies - View Speech
"I will certainly come to that subject later in my speech. My view is absolutely that there needs to be fundamental change in how we ensure that people have access to affordable, safe and secure water supplies...." Paul Davies - View Speech
"I absolutely agree that there is huge frustration out there, which I will refer to later in my speech. I give way to my other hon. Friend...." Paul Davies - View Speech
"I absolutely agree. As my hon. Friend will hear throughout my speech, the evidence clearly shows us that the model is failing in a range of areas. I know that my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth West (Jessica Toale) and the right hon. Member for South Holland and The …..." Paul Davies - View Speech
The current model is absolutely an economic failure. Private companies have paid out, in 2024 prices, around £83 billion—an average of £2.4 billion a year—as dividends, while loading the companies in debt. Often, those loans were taken out simply to increase …..." Paul Davies - View Speech
"I absolutely agree that transparency and accountability are crucial. As will be made clear in my speech, and, I am sure, the contributions of other Members, that is a major issue in the current model.
The model has also been a health disaster. According to Government advice, swimming in open …..." Paul Davies - View Speech
"I will make a little progress first. According to Environment Agency data, today, just one in seven of England’s waters is in good ecological condition...." Paul Davies - View Speech