To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether persistent sewage discharges in breach of permit conditions constitute evidence of failure by water companies for the purposes of regulatory intervention, including Special Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether persistent sewage discharges in breach of permit conditions constitute evidence of failure by water companies for the purposes of regulatory intervention, including Special Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what level of rainfall above which a water company such as Southern Water has been permitted by the Environment Agency to discharge storm sewage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what level of rainfall above which a water company such as Southern Water has been permitted by the Environment Agency to discharge storm sewage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to reduce the amount of rainwater entering sewer systems during periods when that rainwater may overload the sewer systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to reduce the amount of rainwater entering sewer systems during periods when that rainwater may overload the sewer systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the risks posed to recreational water users, including paddlers, by sewage discharges such as those affecting Torbay; and what steps she is taking to ensure the Clean Water Bill addresses the health...

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the risks posed to recreational water users, including paddlers, by sewage discharges such as those affecting Torbay; and what steps she is taking to ensure the Clean Water Bill addresses the health...

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that water companies deliver a sustained reduction in storm overflow discharges by 2030; and what enforcement action her Department will take against companies that fail to meet targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that water companies deliver a sustained reduction in storm overflow discharges by 2030; and what enforcement action her Department will take against companies that fail to meet targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of sewage discharges such as those affecting Torbay on recreational water users, including paddlers; and what steps she is taking to ensure the Clean Water Bill addresses the health...

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of sewage discharges such as those affecting Torbay on recreational water users, including paddlers; and what steps she is taking to ensure the Clean Water Bill addresses the health...

A debate on water industry ownership is scheduled for 14 September 2026. The UK Government has proposed broad water reforms.

A debate on water industry ownership is scheduled for 14 September 2026. The UK Government has proposed broad water reforms.

Motion that this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector. Agreed to on question. Sitting adjourned without Question put.

Motion that this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector. Agreed to on question. Sitting adjourned without Question put.

I beg to move,

That this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector.

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. I begin by thanking Ashley Paul Smith, who is sitting in the Public Gallery, for pulling together this petition....

I beg to move,

That this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector.

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. I begin by thanking Ashley Paul Smith, who is sitting in the Public Gallery, for pulling together this petition....

That brilliant documentary was based on an example relating to South West Water and Devon. Many people in my area would like South West Water to become a company for the public benefit and mutualised. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that would be a good model for South West...

That brilliant documentary was based on an example relating to South West Water and Devon. Many people in my area would like South West Water to become a company for the public benefit and mutualised. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that would be a good model for South West...

As I run through my speech, the hon. Gentleman will find a theme of strong support for public ownership of the water sector throughout. We absolutely must look at that option.

Ash’s petition calls for

“a binding national referendum on whether the water industry should be returned to public ownership…A referendum would...

As I run through my speech, the hon. Gentleman will find a theme of strong support for public ownership of the water sector throughout. We absolutely must look at that option.

Ash’s petition calls for

“a binding national referendum on whether the water industry should be returned to public ownership…A referendum would...

rose—

rose—

rose—

rose—

Go on.

Go on.

My constituents in Morecambe and Lunesdale are really cross about the level of their water bills, and they get more cross when they see the profits being taken out of the water industry. Does my hon. Friend agree that that anger is fair and justified, and that some change needs...

My constituents in Morecambe and Lunesdale are really cross about the level of their water bills, and they get more cross when they see the profits being taken out of the water industry. Does my hon. Friend agree that that anger is fair and justified, and that some change needs...

I absolutely agree that there is huge frustration out there, which I will refer to later in my speech. I give way to my other hon. Friend.

I absolutely agree that there is huge frustration out there, which I will refer to later in my speech. I give way to my other hon. Friend.

My constituents in Putney are angry about Thames Water. They can see that they are paying more but getting less because of the model that we have. Does my hon. Friend agree that Thames Water needs to go into special administration and that all our water companies need to be...

My constituents in Putney are angry about Thames Water. They can see that they are paying more but getting less because of the model that we have. Does my hon. Friend agree that Thames Water needs to go into special administration and that all our water companies need to be...

I will certainly come to that subject later in my speech. My view is absolutely that there needs to be fundamental change in how we ensure that people have access to affordable, safe and secure water supplies.

I will certainly come to that subject later in my speech. My view is absolutely that there needs to be fundamental change in how we ensure that people have access to affordable, safe and secure water supplies.