I am an avid supporter of the environment and proud to be a signatory to the Conservative Environment Network's new water manifesto 'Changing Course', outlining six ways to clean up our rivers, seas and waterways, and calling on the government to invest revenue raised from fining polluting water firms in local initiatives to tackle pollution.
You can find out more -> https://www.cen.uk.com/changing-course-manifesto
We already have some of the strongest environmental protections in the world but we can, and must, go further to protect the environment for those who follow us. These proposals will ensure that this happens.
The Government has started to introduce further policies to incentivise water companies to do more to limit the amount of sewage that enters our waterways. In August, then Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena announced that the fines for water companies who seriously breach rules by dumping sewage in rivers and seas will be increased 1,000-fold. The then Secretary of State confirmed that the current upper limit of £250,000 per incident will be raised to £250 million. It is only fair that those who pollute our rivers be the ones to pay for the vital upgrades and repairs that are needed.
I have previously supported world-leading legislation to improve our nature and habitats, including the Government’s flagship Environment Act (2021). The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers to protect our countryside and will continue to work with stakeholders to develop the Environmental Land Management Scheme further. This is vital legislation that I look forward to supporting as it progresses through Parliament.