Context
MP Tom Hayes highlighted water pollution issues on the Dorset coast and referenced previous meetings with constituents calling for nationalisation to improve accountability and investment.
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his answer and for his two visits to Bournemouth. People still talk happily about his visit to the Hengistbury Head Outdoors centre. I met recently with constituents in Bournemouth East who are calling for nationalisation as a way to improve accountability and investment in the water industry. How does the Secretary of State see a path towards nationalisation sitting within his wider efforts to protect our waters?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
Nationalisation is not the answer, because it would require handing over more than £100 billion to water company owners that could only be raised through higher taxation or cuts to vital public services. It would also take years of legal wrangling that would see the brakes slammed on investment, causing pollution to get worse and, ultimately, lead to higher bills for customers. This Government are taking the fastest possible route towards cleaner water and fairer bills.
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)