Actor and comedian Stephen Fry is advocating for the public ownership of water utilities, criticizing the current state of affairs as “insane”. This comes in the midst of concerns about water companies dumping sewage and Moody’s lowering Thames Water’s credit rating to “junk” status. Environment Secretary Steve Reed has rejected the idea of temporarily nationalizing Thames Water, emphasizing the government’s commitment to cleaning up the water system.
Fry highlighted the importance of water management, emphasizing that having control over our water sources is crucial for the country. He expressed his dismay over the pollution and contamination of rivers, lakes, and drinking water with sewage and run-off, calling it a disgrace that needs urgent attention.
The Environment Agency’s annual report revealed an increase in serious pollution incidents, with water companies like Thames Water, Anglian Water, Southern Water, and Yorkshire Water being identified as the main culprits. Fry also engaged in a debate with shadow foreign minister Alicia Kearns, criticizing the Conservative Party for being “very anti-public sector”.
During the interview, Reed outlined plans to hold water bosses accountable for illegal sewage dumping by imposing criminal charges and withholding bonuses until the issue is addressed. However, he was unable to specify the threshold for triggering criminal charges for dumping.
Reed’s proposed measures include enforcing criminal charges for severe and persistent illegal sewage dumping, withholding bonuses from water bosses overseeing such failures, and ensuring that customers’ money allocated for sewer system improvements is utilized effectively. This comprehensive approach aims to tackle the issue of water pollution and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
The conversation surrounding water management and public ownership is gaining momentum as concerns about water quality and environmental sustainability continue to grow. It is essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to work together to address these challenges and ensure the long-term health and well-being of our water sources.