 For the sake of our beautiful coastline, we must bring an end to sewage pollution.
The UKs waterways and coastlines are in crisis. Extreme weather, pollution, climate impacts, industrial and agricultural processes, and associated water demand and population growth have all placed enormous pressure on our antiquated plumbing and drainage networks. The alarming statistics speak for themselves: in 2022 alone, a staggering 399,864 instances of raw sewage discharges into UK water bodies were recorded, with 1,924 reported cases of illness linked to sewage contamination by Surfers Against Sewage. To show support for water users and water lovers affected by pollution, I joined water users including surfers, swimmers, canoers and business in Westminster at the launch of the End Sewage Pollution Manifesto, created by Surfers Against Sewage, and the End Sewage Pollution Coalition. The End Sewage Pollution Coalitions manifesto sets out a five-point plan to restore the health and safety of the UK's waterways. The manifesto includes 5 key policies which parties can adopt to turn the tide on sewage pollution, Including: 1. Enforce existing regulations and laws. 2. Hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and preventing pollution for profit. 3. Take immediate and targeted action to address pollution into protected nature and bathing sites. 4. Embrace a nature-led approach to tackling sewage pollution. 5. Ensure nationwide transparency regarding sewage pollution levels. The upcoming election presents a genuine opportunity for an incoming government to take further steps to address sewage pollution. That’s why I'm committed to supporting the aims of the manifesto in order to protect and champion the water users of Gower. |