MP urges Environment Minister to stop sewage scandal in Cumbria’s rivers

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, MP Tim Farron challenged the Minister for the Environment to force water companies to use their profits to clean up Cumbria's lakes and rivers.

Speaking during an Urgent Question on Water Company Performance, Tim said: "We have seen £2.8 billion in water company profits, £1 billion in shareholder dividends, and a 20% rise in executive water company pay, 60% of which has been in bonuses.

"In my book, bonuses are for doing a good job, not a terrible one.

"Meanwhile in Cumbria, the River Eden at Kirkby Stephen has had 101 days of sewage outflows, Swindale Beck at Brough has had 115 days, the River Eea at Cark and Cartmel has had 252 days, and Windermere lake at the heart of the English Lake District has had 71 days.

"All of that, outrageously, is legal. When will the Government force the water companies to clean up not only their act, but our lakes and rivers too?"

In response, the Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: "If I might say, the honourable gentleman is a fine one to talk.

"I believe the water Minister in the coalition was a Liberal Democrat: what exactly did he do?

"It is this Government who are taking action now on the water companies.

"This Government introduced the storm overflows reduction plan and, in addition to that plan and all the requirements it puts on the water companies, just this week the Secretary of State has asked that a plan be submitted for every single storm sewerage overflow, with water companies' proposed actions clearly outlined."

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "The minister is living in cloud cuckoo land if she seriously believes this government is stopping sewage being dumped in our lakes and river.

"People in Cumbria have had enough of empty promises from the Government - we need action now."