Debates between Steve Reed and Alison Griffiths during the 2024 Parliament

Independent Water Commission

Debate between Steve Reed and Alison Griffiths
Wednesday 23rd October 2024

(2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
- View Speech - Hansard - -

My hon. Friend is absolutely right; it is disgusting for people to see sewage bubbling up, and not just in their high streets but even in their gardens, because of broken water infrastructure. We will be looking for a reset so that we can have a water sector that works for customers and the environment, as well as investors.

Alison Griffiths Portrait Alison Griffiths (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) (Con)
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

The year 2 pupils of Bishop Tufnell school in my constituency told me how disappointed they were not to be able to swim in the sea on their summer day out last year. As a fellow sea swimmer, I share their disappointment. Winter is coming and there is no time to waste. Pushing the can down the track with this commission is not good enough. Having reviewed the activities in my constituency, I want to know how the Secretary of State will provide a strategic overview that brings together all the different agencies that impact this matter, and not some time next year but before the real issues hit every single constituency around the coast of the country right now?

Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
- View Speech - Hansard - -

I am very sorry for the year 2 pupils at the school the hon. Lady mentioned. I respectfully remind her that she represents the party that sat back and did nothing for 14 years, while the levels of pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas got far worse. That, I venture to suggest, is why those year 2 pupils cannot go in the water.