Put failing water companies under tough special measures
Block bonuses to executives who pollute our waterways
Criminal charges against persistent law breakers
Automatic and severe fines for wrongdoing
Independent monitoring of every sewage overflow outlet
Today our water reforms become law with the Water Act 2025 getting Royal Assent – a turning point where we begin to put right the wrongs we inherited from the Conservatives.
It was great to set out the framework for reform to our water system as Shadow Environment Secretary, put the outline of our policy in our manifesto in July, and see these changes come to fruition so soon now in government. I have long campaigned for measures to clean up our rivers, hold executives accountable, and for stricter oversight of water companies. Today, we have made that happen.
Local people deserve good quality drinking water, unpolluted rivers & streams where they live, and not to fit the bill of corporate greed. Through tying this reform in with more investment, we are creating the environment for cheaper bills, a better service and improved green space in our communities.
After years of Tory negligence, where the previous government turned a blind eye and weakened rather than strengthened regulation, Labour have stepped in to end illegal sewage dumping and clean up our coasts, rivers, & lakes for good.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 