Water sector investigations: Doesn't even begin to address sewage scandal

EMBARGO: 22:30 20th May 2025

Commenting to the Government's announcement into the number of criminal investigations into environmental breaches by water companies, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron MP said: 

“81 investigations does not even begin to address the sewage scandal that has plagued British rivers and seas for far too long.

“This is a national scandal which got far worse under the Conservatives’ watch. Their record is one of rising sewage levels and water firms stuffing their pockets with cash.

“And now, the Government’s attempt to tackle the crisis is a job half done. A toothless regulator will fail to end the scandal of multi-million pound bonuses for sewage dumpers.

“The Liberal Democrats have long led the campaign to replace Ofwat with a new regulator with proper enforcement power. We will continue to hold the Government and polluting water companies accountable.”

ENDS