A Cumbrian MP is proposing a bill amendment that would require the government to name and shame water companies who are dumping sewage in rivers which leads to the death of animals.
Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has today proposed an amendment to the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which has reached its third reading on the floor of the House of Commons.
The amendment brought forward by Mr Farron would allow the government to publish not only the number of animals killed by sewage dumped in rivers every year but also the companies doing so.
This comes after United Utilities – the main water provider within the South Lakes – reported over £602.1 million in profit over 2020/2021. A ‘sewage tax’ was also proposed by the Liberal Democrats to be used to fund the clean-up of rivers and waterways.
The amendment comes as we see more and more UK aquatic animals under the threat of extinction. According to data from the Environment Agency, there were 325 category one and two ‘serious water pollution incidents’ from March 2020 to 2021. A category one incident has been defined by Mark Lloyd, chief executive of The Rivers Trust, as usually involving, “wildlife being killed, such as fish and invertebrates”.
Mr Farron said: “Animals are swimming in filth and their habitats pumped full of sewage yet the government refuses to act. Enough is enough, we need to name and shame water companies that are being found to destroy precious wildlife habitats.
“There will be no hiding from the facts.
“Above all else, we need an end to these sewage dumps and for water companies to pay for the mess they make.”
