Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely spoke in a House of Commons debate on water quality earlier this week, during which he spoke passionately about clean water.
The debate, on Tuesday, saw Mr Seely speak about the ground-breaking work which is due to happen on the Island to clean up rivers, waters and beaches.
In a statement, Bob has said:
“I was delighted to speak in Parliament today to showcase the ground-breaking work which will happen on the Island to clean up our rivers, waters and beaches. The simple truth is that there is a sea change in water quality taking place nationally, and it is being led by the Conservatives.
“It’s important that debates are about facts and reality, so here are the facts: First, we have passed new laws to force water firms to dramatically improve water cleanliness. Linked to that is a national water plan, announced earlier this month.
“The water firms are spending over £50 billion in the coming years, the largest programme of investment in our water system since it was built by the Victorians.
“On the Island, I’ve persuaded Southern Water to make our Island an example of national best practise, so we are going to be leading the way in cleaning up our waters. This is great news, although it is important to note that agricultural run-off also affects water quality and it is important to understand this issue in the round.
“Over the past ten years, the Government has told the water companies to focus on fixing infrastructure and improving drinking water. That means we have some of the cleanest drinking water in the world, whilst 40 percent of our water infrastructure has been replaced.
Article continues below this advertisement “Before that, under Labour, monitoring was non-existent and, shamefully, the water firms were allowed to self-monitor.
“As a keen swimmer I am only too aware that we need higher standards in our rivers and beaches.
“At the next election, we’ll have a clear choice between the Conservatives, who are delivering cleaner rivers, beaches and seas and other political parties who talk but do nothing. Whilst on the Island, we will soon be an example of national best practise. That is good news for the Island and the country.”
At the time of writing, 3 beaches on the Island currently have pollution warnings in place.
How did seely vote a couple of years ago when voting on sewage? He and nearly every other tory voted to allow it to happen. Compulsive liar who should be locked up
Seely: “At the next election, we’ll have a clear choice between the Conservatives, who are delivering cleaner rivers, beaches and seas and other political parties who talk but do nothing.”
Does anyone, seriously, believe this blatant gaslighting.
They are only delivering cleaner rivers in comparison to the disgusting state they let them get into.
Our rivers were considerably cleaner before the Tories took over.
In whose opinion is the work ground-breaking, Sewage-Bob’s?
Urm, which way did he and the Tories vote last year?
Its ok him speaking about it ,but i will be very suprised if anything is actually done about it !!!!
The Conservative party have been in charge for 13 years ,have the beaches and rivers improved , not by a long way, the usual Tory rubbish before an election
Unfortunately you are right but lets hope the die-hards don’t vote for them again as they have proved they are incompetent, more so in the last 18 months and confirmed in more ways they are not fit to service what used to be a strong and proud nation.
I felt it was important to speak up. I am continually disappointed that our beaches are so clean when there is so much pooh underneath our feet. I see no reason why we can’t pump more sewerage into the seas and maximise profits! Come on guys. Support industry and let’s get those dividends rolling in!!
Well that’s 4 minutes of my life I wont get back
I was under the impression that water companies basically still did self monitor and I would hardly call an average of 825 spills of untreated sewage a day a sign that things are under control.
Then you have the issue of a failure to adequately deal with leaks and upgrade crumbling infrastructure despite making huge profits for their overseas owners.
The new laws might make a difference but, based on previous performance, I suspect they are more likely to just result in more excuses and higher bills for their customers.
Is that really something to stand up and boast about Bob?
Waving the conservative flag again, as they have been in power since 2010 what have they been doing about the abuse of the rivers and sea water in and around the UK – big Zero. Cannot blame it on other parties they have had control for over 12+ years and still approved discharges into rivers and sea. I could say more but it would be like talking to a brick wall, one of which actually does hold something up.