Government blocks Lib Dem amendment to make water company bosses liable for pollution failures

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Responding to the Government voting down her amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill that would have made water company senior managers liable for not meeting pollution performance commitment levels, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Lisa Smart MP said:

“It is completely scandalous that customers have to foot the bill of failing water companies, whilst executives line their pockets with extortionate bonuses.

“The Government has not gone far enough to tackle this, and it is incredibly disappointing that Labour MPs have not supported our amendment today- any pollution into British waterways is too much, and executives who are responsible for egregious sewage pollution shouldn't get off scot free.

“Liberal Democrat MPs will continue to hold the Government’s feet to the fire until they knuckle down and get tough on polluting water companies and hold executives accountable.”

ENDS