Anglian Water’s apology is far too late after years of sewage scandal

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called for Anglian Water to be overhauled, along with the rest of the water industry, following an overdue apology for sewage dumping. This comes following the Surfers against Sewage Paddle Out Protest this weekend, demanding that water companies stop making a profit from pollution and start investing in our future, for the sake of people and the planet.

In a statement issued through Water UK on 18th May, water and sewage companies admitted to dragging their heels on taking action to stop sewage discharges into our coastlines, rivers and lakes.

In the wake of this announcement, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Henry Vann says the apology is far too late, and that it is meaningless unless the firm is completely reformed.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for water firms to become "public benefit companies," making environmental goals more important than profits, and making it compulsory for environmental experts to sit on their company boards. This would put an end to billions of pounds being wasted in dividends whilst sewage destroys waterways.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are also demanding an apology from Richard Fuller MP for voting down tougher action on water firms.

Councillor Vann said "This announcement is too little too late after years of putting public health at risk and large-scale environmental damage, which has previously been arrogantly dismissed by the water industry.

"This apology means nothing unless the water industry is completely reformed from top to bottom. I joined the protest on Saturday because we passionately believe that protecting the environment is more important than making overseas investors rich. Sadly, water companies still have their priorities all wrong and are now expecting residents to foot the bill for their poor management.

"And to add insult to injury, this Conservative Government have spent recent years voting down tougher action on polluting water firms. They too owe people an apology."