HM Opposition Day: Water Quality (Sewage Discharge)

On Tuesday 25 April HM Opposition tabled a Motion for debate on Water Quality (Sewage Discharge). This is the full text of the Motion: That this House calls on the Government to set a target for the reduction of sewage discharges, to provide for financial penalties in relation to sewage discharges and breaches of monitoring requirements, and to carry out an impact assessment of sewage discharges; and makes provision as set out in this Order.

On World Water Day on 22 March 2023 I met former Undertones lead singer and environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey who is a very vocal campaigner in support of the plan to clean up the ‘Tory sewage scandal’. I am pictured with Feargal Sharkey and Shadow Environment Secretary Jim McMahon.

We pushed for a vote in the House to force the Government into tackling the sewage dumping by water companies. The Labour Motion would give the Opposition control of the business in the chamber to produce a Water Quality (Sewage Discharge) Bill. 

An amendment tabled by the Government was passed, Ayes: 290, Noes: 188.