Sewage bill rejected by local MP

On Wednesday, Conservative MPs, including Gary Streeter, voted against a new law which would have seen water companies in court for sewage spills.  The vote in Parliament took place on the same day a BBC report found sewage had been illegally dumped in the UNESCO protected Lake Windermere in the Lake District. 

The new law would have created criminal offences for failing to meet pollution performance commitment levels, ensuring the polluting firms would go to court and face punishments including fines.  The Environment Agency has previously called on water company Chief Executives and board members to face criminal charges, including court imposed fines. 

Despite cross-party support for the amendment, over 250 Conservative MPs voted against it.  It was disappointing to see that neither Plymouth MP, Luke Pollard or Johnny Mercer, voted at all. 

Plymouth Liberal Democrats Chair Hugh Janes commented. "The sewage spills are a national scandal which have blighted our own community,  water companies should be taken to court for environmental vandalism."   "This law would have delivered justice for swimmers, wildlife and local rivers. I'm appalled that none of our MPs care sufficiently about our environment."