George calls on Environment Sec. to rein-in Water Companies
Andrew George MP speaking to the House of Commons on 23rd Oct24 in a debate about water company governance
West Cornwall MP, Andrew George called for Water Companies to be reined in when speaking on the government’s announced review of the water industry yesterday (23rd October 2024).
Today, the government announced a new Independent Water Commission to deliver the biggest review of the industry since privatisation. The Environment Sec. Rt Hon. Steve Reid MP explained the government couldn’t re-nationalise water companies as many MPs may prefer.
Andrew George and his Liberal Democrat colleagues called for more urgency in dealing with the sewage crisis, which plagues Britain’s coastlines, lakes and rivers.
Andrew described water companies in the Commons as “risk-free, money-printing emporiums which pollute our coasts at their convenience”.
He said:
“Whilst a review is welcome, it should not be used as a tool to kick the can down the road on the many reforms which can be implemented now.
“Though re-nationalisation is understandably ruled out, I hope the government will look at other forms of corporate governance, perhaps more akin to a community benefit society, and to consider placing a community environmental champion (not in the pay of the companies of course) on every Board.
“It is time to put an end to profit before the environment in the water industry, and end this national scandal.”