Stephen Morgan MP has marked World Ocean Day with a renewed call to reduce sewage pollution into seas and rivers.
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.
Meanwhile, the UK is ranked 25th out of 30 EU countries for coastal water quality.
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), the growing popularity of water sports as summer approaches, risks deepening a public health crisis.
The Portsmouth MP recently wrote to Southern Water urging the water utility to set out its plans to address treatment capacity and tackle excessive sewage discharges, particularly in and around Langstone Harbour.
The Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, said,
“Today is a critical moment to reflect on the importance of our oceans for our wider environment, our wellbeing, but also on what more can be done to protect these places.
“We are in a climate emergency and we all need to be doing everything we can to protect our oceans and seas, including business and government.
“I’ll continue to take action in lobbying government and businesses on this, but this week’s G7 meeting in Cornwall must be utilised to tackle global causes of ocean pollution.”
In addition to lobbying Southern Water, Mr Morgan has engaged with the Solent Protection Society, Hayling Sewage Watch, the Environment Agency, submitted parliamentary questions and met with local campaigners to improve the quality of local bathing waters.
