Stephen Morgan MP has stepped up his sustained work to protect the local environment as he met with the Langstone Harbour Master earlier today.
The Portsmouth representative has been meeting and engaging with a range of groups and organisations to tackle sewage pollution, working with the Environment Agency and lobbying Government and Southern Water, urging the water company to set out its plans to address treatment capacity and end sewage discharges.
He most recently met with Professor Alex Ford, Director of Research Degrees at the School of Biological Sciences for the University of Portsmouth, who shared his insights of how the local marine environment can be better supported and protected.
According to a recent report from Surfers Against Sewage, only 16% of inland waterways in England meet “good ecological status” and none of them pass the chemical tests.
In the same report, Surfers Against Sewage said recent Government and water company commitments were welcome, but do not go far enough to tackle the root causes of sewage pollution.
They also warned the widespread and routine use of Combined Sewage Overflows (CSOs) and the growing popularity of water sports as summer approaches, risks deepening a public health crisis.
The Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“Our local marine environment is one of our most prized assets, but it is under threat.
“It was really useful to speak with the Langstone Harbour Master today on range a range of challenges the harbour is facing, including public safety, future development, funding and environmental protections for the harbour.
“Billy’s team is doing tremendous work and holds important insight on the issues they need to deal with, but they need wider support.
“I will keep working hard to secure a greener future we all want for Langstone Harbour so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
