A number of residents have been in contact with me about sewage discharge into our waterways and seas.

I share their concerns that, for too long, local homes, streets, waterways and our seas have had to deal with sewage discharge. It’s a diabolical situation. I’ve listened to the complaints raised locally and agree that more needs to be done. 

In October 2021, I was one of 22 Conservative MPs who was unable to support the Government with its proposal to tackle this matter. I did not feel that it put a strong enough obligation on the water and sewage authorities to end the practices which we have to endure. Instead, we supported an amendment to the Environment Bill which was inserted in the House of Lords and would place a new legal duty on the industry to take reasonable steps to eradicate the discharge. You can read more about this amendment, and the views I gave to the BBC here.

Whilst this amendment did not pass, I was pleased that the Government reflected on the matter and, this week, it has agreed to back the measures I was calling for. We will now see a legal duty with a ‘progressive reduction’ requirement be placed on water and sewage authorities. Details of the measure can be found here.

This has all occurred at a fast pace and highlights how confusing our procedures in Parliament can be. At the time of writing, I am not sure if the same amendment I voted for will come back to the House of Commons. However, the Government has already committed to place the similar concept in the Environment Bill. As a result, I will (this time) vote for the Government amendment because it delivers the same aims as the amendment and will better integrate with other legislation (including new measures in the Bill and existing duties in the Water Industry Act 1991).

Once this legislation is passed, I will campaign to ensure that Southern Water’s sewage discharge pipes are removed from our sea, and the mainland sewage system is fit for purpose, and I have written to the Chief Executive at Southern Water for a timetable for action. I am determined that we receive a better quality discharge system which is more befitting of our beautiful coast and countryside.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me and please do keep an eye on my website where I will be posting updates on my work in this area.