There has been local outrage at the Isle of Wight MP’s recent failure to support measures to limit raw sewage being released into the sea in the Environment Bill, which is currently under consideration in the House of Commons.
The Council Administration shares that outrage. There have been serious and growing concerns about such releases over the past months, some connected with extreme weather events experienced during the summer and others due to increased demand from large scale developments and failing infrastructure.
Councillor Chris Jarman, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Resources, has said:
“We have a local economy that is reliant on Tourism. Our beaches are a key part of our natural capital that attracts visitors. It also goes without saying that, as we are surrounded by water, including Marine Conservation Zones, our water quality is perhaps even more important than in other areas.
“The problem on the Island is that we have a fragile water infrastructure which needs significant investment. We need to exert pressure to see that this investment takes place. Our MP should be helping this process. He undertook to do so when, together with some Councillors, he met with representatives of Southern Water in Sandown to discuss these very problems. We don’t understand why he is not adhering to those undertakings.”
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, has said:
“Mr Seely published an article at the end of last week setting out his reasons for the way he voted, but frankly his explanations don’t hold water.
“He stated that he is prioritising other things. We do not understand why that means that on a key issue like this he could not walk into the correct voting lobby in support of the Island. He also stated he wants to protect areas of Special Scientific Interest. Seeing as there are such areas on our coastline we don’t understand this reason either.
Article continues below this advertisement “He further stated that the amendment wasn’t going to pass anyway! Again we simply don’t understand this approach. 22 other Conservative MP’s voted in favour of the amendment. Lastly his article talked about it being more important to put measures into Water Company management plans. In which case we would ask, ‘so why don’t you make that happen? You’re the Government!’
“We also note that Mr Seely voted against other amendments to protect air quality and to protect pollinators”
Councillor Chris Jarman concluded:
“We think that protecting our water quality is a key issue upon which our MP should be standing up for the Isle of Wight. We understand that the issue is coming back for a further vote in the House of Commons this week. We, and many across the Island, will be watching Mr Seely closely to see how he votes next time.”
UPDATE – Bob Seely has responded by saying:
“Opposition politicians accuse Tories of turning a blind eye to water companies pumping sewage into rivers and beaches. It sounds dreadful but is untrue. The debate is about how quickly we clean up beaches and rivers, and how to pay for it.
“The Government is introducing laws to clean-up decades of polluting behaviour. This summer I got Southern Water to talk with Councillors to explain their plans. They pledged millions in investment on the Isle of Wight.
“The argument is part of the Environment Bill, a ground-breaking law to help clean up our environment. It enables binding targets on biodiversity, air quality, water, and resource and waste efficiency, as well as plans to help native species, such as the red squirrel.
“The Bill already had provisions on sewage discharge. Companies like Southern Water must show how they will reduce overflows. However, a member of the House of Lords, the Duke of Wellington, wanted to change the law, effectively passing unlimited costs for sewage clean-up onto consumers.
“Whilst I have had angry letters from constituents on sewage, I would have had thousands more from Islanders fearful of being unable to pay water bills if the amendment became law. Opposition politicians don’t have to live with the consequences of their actions – even dukes.
“The Gov’t should do more. To be blunt, I am NOT entirely happy with where it is on this. But the Duke’s amendment would have made things worse. Last week’s vote was not the final word; negotiations are ongoing. Government is working on tougher measures: good.
“We are trying to fix a situation where sewage has flowed into the rivers and seas for years. The Environment Bill is a ground-breaking law to clean our environment up. The debate in Parliament is about how quickly that happens, not whether it gets done”.
I know I won’t be voting for sealy next time around
Just another 40,000 needed to admit that they also voted for this useless idiot then
The problem is that too many people on the island think voting for the conservatives makes them upper class. They will never vote for anyone else, that would require thinking.
Remember this at the next election
Got no time for any of them. Until there is a government and council which is selfless, there will be no reversal of fortune on climate.
Don’t be too hard on Bob, he’s got his career to think of. To him, that’s all that matters.
22 Conservative MP’s voted for what they believed in, others (including Mr. Seely) did what they were told. He needs to remember he is representing a holiday island, where the cleanliness of the sea and beaches are very important.
Bob is just looking after himself and his supporters whoever they maybe.
It now appears that he does not give a hoot about the islanders he is supposed to represent.
Well he doesn’t live here his home is on the mainland and he is probably getting back ganders from southern water
why WOULD he care?he font even live here!
It wont affect him so doesn’t care – just wants to promote his career by voting for the government all the time rather than voting what is best for his constituents.
Next General Election, which will be soon, DON’T VOTE TORY!
Says one thing, does something completely different or not at all. Just like Boris Johnson then, Bob’s leader!!!
The island’s infrastructure is so outdated it is unable to cope. Just wait until 100s more properties are built! It’s a disgrace Bob is not standing up for the island.
Why is everyone surprised? He is in a part headed by a liar? It’s not hard to put two and two together. Also, he is a backbencher no? So he will just toe the party line.
So Bob “smug” Seely strikes again, typical of him to say one thing and do another. I don’t we need any more proof that he has any interest in helping the normal islanders at all. Disgusting behaviour from a disgusting little man.
This is just another example of the CONservative sleaze currently permeating through Whitehall. Dodgy dealings, contracts awarded to mates, private emails used for government business, the attempt to stifle free speech and freedom of information requests, whilst still earning salaries only some people can dream of!
Bob “I only broke lockdown to eat half a sausage and the rules only apply to you prolls anyway not me sealey”?
Why do even give this oxygen thief airspace and listen to the random generated noise his disconnected mouth makes??
Get this useless bandwagon jumping fool out next time round.
He is obviously happy to swim in the “Seely”
So sorry everybody…..,. This is what comes after you find the right method to clear constipation.