Steve Reed responds to the Environment Agency report that a growing number of bathing sites in England are rated ‘poor’ quality for swimming

Steve Reed MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to the Environment Agency report that a growing number of bathing sites in England are rated ‘poor’ quality for swimming, said:

“The water industry is broken after 13 years of Tory government – with stinking, toxic sewage lapping up on our rivers, lakes, and seas. 

“It is disgusting that families and children cannot enjoy these waters without the threat of getting sick. 

“Despite this gross negligence, consumers are now expected to pay higher water bills, whilst CEOs are pocketing millions in bonuses. 

“With Labour, the polluter - not the public - will pay. We will give regulators the power to ban the payment of bonuses to water bosses until they have cleared up their filth.”