Praises the report's comprehensive approach, highlighting its identification of a 'chemical cocktail' of sewage, slurry, and plastic. Asks if the Government’s response adequately addresses this issue on both the sewage side and the wider phosphates problem.

Compliments Philip Dunne's campaigning that has altered public debate, noting the inadequacy of £3 billion spent to prevent sewage overspills. Cites examples in his constituency where numerous overflows have occurred, deeming it unacceptable and calling for more action.

Remarks on Surfers Against Sewage's 32 years of work ensuring sea safety during World Oceans Day reception, emphasising the intimate connection between seas and rivers.

Highlights that sewage discharges are only a quarter of the problem in the River Wye, with phosphate leaching from fields being more significant. Questions if the Government's target to reduce 80% of this phosphate by 2037 is sufficiently ambitious.

Agrees on the importance of Ofwat in tackling sewage discharge into rivers but raises concerns about water companies not being statutory consultees for large-scale new residential developments, which can impact surface water run-off and existing sewerage networks during heavy rainfall.

Ordered Mr Dunne to face the front of the House for better audio pickup.

Asked if Ofwat should issue annual reports on its priorities. Mentioned a social tariff for water bills proposed by the Consumer Council for Water.

Discussed the Thames Tideway tunnel's inability to address sewage discharges from treatment works above Hammersmith. Highlighted issues with Mogden sewage treatment works discharging dilute sewage into the River Thames.

Critiqued water company executives receiving bonuses despite raw sewage discharge incidents. Cited data on sewage discharge frequency and duration, poor ecological condition of UK waterways. Called for a sewage bonus ban, storm overflow discharge reduction plans, naming and shaming of polluting companies, and the establishment of a rivers recovery fund. Emphasised need for Ofwat to use its powers more effectively.

Proposed consideration of a national rivers recovery fund to address river pollution through the allocation of fines paid by polluting companies.

Mr Walker thanked his colleague for raising the issue of water pollution, expressing personal frustration as a passionate angler. He highlighted that Ofwat needs to enforce stricter regulations on water companies, slurry spreaders, and egg farmers who pollute rivers and watercourses. Citing an example from Austria where 98% of swimming locations meet high standards, he pointed out the stark contrast with England's lack of safe swimming spots. Mr Walker emphasised the role of anglers as environmental watchdogs and mentioned Fish Legal’s legal action against polluters. He advocated for a rivers restoration fund to use fines collected from pollution offenders to clean up affected waterways instead of returning the money to the Treasury.

Mr. Pollard discusses the importance of decarbonising the water industry, strengthening nature restoration proposals in the Ofwat strategic policy statement, advocating for a new approach to regulation, and expressing concern about high water bills due to coastal clean-up costs. He also mentions the need for social tariffs to address water poverty, integrated housing retrofit policies that include water conservation measures, clearer targets on leakage reduction, and more proactive measures on bathing water quality.

Ms. Twist inquires if Mr. Pollard has considered social tariff proposals to address issues of high water bills and affordability.

Ms. Cooper expresses alarm at budget cuts affecting the Environment Agency's responsiveness to environmental issues in her constituency, raising concerns about similar impacts elsewhere.

Felicity Buchan highlighted the severe flooding issue in her central London constituency, particularly referencing a catastrophic event on July 12 last year where the London Fire Brigade received an unprecedented number of calls. She mentioned that multiple families are still displaced and many suffered significant property damage, with some having no insurance to cover their losses. Buchan also criticised Thames Water for failing to implement a necessary £300 million relief sewer system despite approval from Ofwat in 2015-2020 and the resultant fine not addressing the ongoing risk of flooding. She emphasised that the current drainage and sewerage infrastructure is outdated, unfit for purpose with climate change exacerbating flood risks. Buchan called for better coordination among entities involved in managing flood risk, including Ofwat, Environment Agency, water companies, and local authorities. She further urged Ofwat to challenge water companies on asset assessments and customer service, noting that Thames Water's failure during the flooding event was a significant issue.

I thank the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee for his report and speech. I highlight flooding issues in my constituency caused by old Victorian pipes managed by Thames Water, which also operates Britain’s third largest sewage treatment works, Mogden. In January 2021, a major flood occurred due to a blockage in the main inlet pipe, causing raw sewage to overflow into homes and parks. This is part of a growing trend of untreated sewage being pumped into rivers. Thames Water has admitted that such situations were not included in their risk register. There are also ongoing issues with smells and mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water. Billions of pounds paid out in dividends should be invested in crucial infrastructure instead. I am concerned about the role of Ofwat and other regulatory bodies in ensuring environmental protection, consumer protection, and climate change adaptation.

Suggested that rather than relying on new technology and data, a rehaul of the system including community buy-in is needed. This would require financial contributions from water companies to improve sewage management and environmental protection.

Expressed respect for the Environment Agency but noted that it sometimes shies away from holding polluters accountable, suggesting a need for stronger action against those who pollute rivers.

Welcomed the Government’s strategic policy statement for Ofwat, highlighting the need for water companies to improve their day-to-day environmental performance and enhance water quality. Criticised Anglian Water's poor record on storm overflows in Southend, mentioning 48 sewage discharges last year totaling more than 10 days of raw sewage. Supported real-time monitoring under Environment Act and called for clear punishments for failures. Suggested banning non-flushable wet wipes and ending bonuses for company directors failing to meet targets.

Paid tribute to the lead MP for championing rivers, echoed concerns about phosphate loads in Wiltshire's Hampshire Avon. Emphasised the need for investment in infrastructure and nature-based solutions like reed beds. Proposed appointing a river warden for each river to coordinate efforts, highlighting Morgan’s Hill as a hydrological dividing point.

Supports the strategic priorities of Ofwat, emphasising the importance of regulation in a monopolistic market. Criticises Thames Water for releasing sewage into waterways around Oxford for over 68,000 hours in 2021, which is unacceptable according to its licence. Highlights issues with infrastructure not keeping pace with population growth and the need for better waste connections in new developments. Also discusses local concerns about a proposed massive reservoir by Thames Water that lacks justification.

Sobel thanks Philip Dunne for his work on this issue, acknowledges contributions from various Members who have spoken about flooding, wet wipes, nature-based solutions, and housing infrastructure. He stresses the need to clean up rivers, referencing historical context like Benjamin Disraeli's response to the Thames' toxic state in 1858. Sobel mentions current pollution levels, such as £62 of household bills going towards dividends for shareholders. He calls for a clear plan on raw sewage discharges and criticises delays in prosecution by companies despite fines being levied. The Environment Act 2021 is noted as setting out changes but lacking interim targets or timetables. Sobel discusses the need to enhance water quality, highlighting issues like mass deaths of sea creatures along North Yorkshire beaches due to potential illegal sewage discharge.

The Minister congratulates the Environmental Audit Committee for their work on river quality and acknowledges the report. She emphasises that her Government prioritises water quality, setting out measures in the Environment Act 2022 to hold water companies accountable and reduce sewage discharges. The Minister also outlines funding increases for pollution reduction programmes, such as catchment-sensitive farming, and highlights the importance of addressing climate change and population growth pressures on water supply. She mentions the need for both new infrastructure investments and demand reduction strategies to ensure resilient water resources by 2050.

The right hon. Member intervenes, noting the vacancy in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee due to his election as Chair.

The hon. Member asks about the destination of stormwater if it does not enter sewage works, seeking clarification on proposals for excess flows from overflowing sewage works.

The hon. Lady criticises the approach of reducing raw sewage discharges rather than banning them and questions whether a sewage tax should be considered to encourage water company investment in infrastructure.

The hon. Member enquires about progress on developing a single social tariff for water companies, recognising the importance of addressing cost-of-living impacts.

Every contribution from across the House has been in agreement that now is the time to fix water quality, and Ofwat is the mechanism for beginning this process. The Minister's response was positive and I hope her officials read the transcript and the commitments made. Hon. Members will engage with the Minister on some of the additional points she responded positively to. Criticised the Liberal Democrats' proposal for a sewage tax as unrealistic.

Raised an urgent matter regarding British citizens, Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner, who were sentenced to death in a show trial held under Vladimir Putin's Russian regime. Urged the Foreign Secretary to summon the Russian ambassador immediately to convey that British citizens cannot be treated in such manner and demanded their release.

Acknowledged the urgent matter raised by Robert Jenrick and advised him on how he could raise this formally through an urgent question. Assured him that the Treasury Bench would convey his concerns to relevant Ministers, who will act appropriately.