Since taking office, the UK Labour government is working hard in partnership with the Welsh government to take urgent action to crack down on polluting water companies, introducing major new legislation with powers to bring criminal charges against water bosses and ban bonuses.
Yesterday, the UK and Welsh Labour Governments have launched a new Independent Water Commission to review the water industry and ensure we bring in the regulations necessary to clean up our waterways.
It follows the publication of data that reveals record levels of sewage were pumped into Britain’s rivers in 2023, the final full year of the Conservative government.
A set of recommendations will be delivered to the Defra Secretary of State, and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs next year.
The UK Government and Welsh Government will then respond with the proposals they intend to take forward on how to tackle the challenges we have inherited, and those of the future, to restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.
Afonydd Cymru welcomes the collaboration of the Welsh Government and the UK Government on this matter, particularly given the current cross-border management issues that hinder river restoration efforts.
Labour in Wales and at a UK level have clear priorities for reform and a shared sense of the work needed across both countries’ policy and regulatory regimes to make this change happen.
Torsten Bell, the Member of Parliament for Swansea West, said:
“Both the Welsh and UK Governments are determined to improve water quality and the resilience of the water sector for future generations.”
“This shows the fresh approach of our two governments working together on an issue which affects us all as consumers, investors and as stewards of the natural world.”
“Having already introduced tough new laws to hold water bosses criminally responsible for illegal sewage dumping, this new Independent Commission will help us take the necessary action to clean up our waterways for good.”
