A Cumbrian MP is leading the charge to crack down on water firm bosses who fail to stop discharging sewage into lakes, rivers and seas.
Tim Farron, who represents Westmorland and Lonsdale, aims to table an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill to criminalise the firms’ actions.
It was revealed this week that millions of litres of sewage were illegally dumped into Windermere by United Utilities in February.
The firm said it took urgent steps to resolve the incident.
A pumping station in Bowness-on-Windermere normally sends sewage to Windermere Wastewater Treatment Works.
But United Utilities documents said a telecoms fault on the night of February 28 caused the main pumps to stop.
Mr Farron said: “Today’s shocking revelations are a stark reminder that this Government are leaving our rivers and our lakes woefully unprotected.
“This new change in the law would deliver justice for swimmers, wildlife and our natural environment.
“I hope Parliament accept my amendment today which could see water company bosses prosecuted for sewage pollution.
“There is now clear consensus for water companies to face criminal charges for sewage pollution. I urge Conservative and Labour MPs to back this law.”
