Stephen Morgan MP has again supported proposals to stop water companies routinely dumping sewage in bathing waters and for a more powerful environmental watchdog to hold Government to account.
Labour has accused Ministers of ‘dither and delay’ in recent months and with COP26 well underway, the Environment Bill remains ‘unfit for purpose’. The Official Opposition argues the interim Office for Environmental Protection ‘lacks independence, an assurance of adequate resource, or the power to fine.’
The party has also said Ministers are doing all they can to resist concrete protections, leaving our environment as a bargaining chip for new trade agreements that would undercut Britain’s environmental standards.
The Portsmouth representative had vowed to vote for a range of amendments that would strengthen the Bill and take the steps necessary to preserve the planet and protect Portsmouth’s environment.
This includes a change to the Bill that has cross-party support which would ensure “world leading protection” for waterways across the country, according to charity Surfers Against Sewage, including those linked to Langstone Harbour.
The amendment, which was passed in the House of Lords, has been sent back to the Commons a second time for approval today, after the Conservatives voted against it on 20 October.
The Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, said:
“Despite the public outcry we have seen, the government has no plan to stop water companies dumping sewage into our rivers and seas. Whilst voted to end this, sadly local Conservative MPs refused to support cross-party proposals.
“People in Portsmouth want to see real leadership to clean up our environment and restore nature for generations to come, but this government has been found wanting.
“That’s why I will continue to back bold, ambitious and long overdue steps necessary to preserve our bathing waters and protect our environment”.
