UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Environmental activist Feargal Sharkey says Steve Reed lacks control over the water industry and should resign amid rising sewage and pay scandals.
As reported by The Standard, Feargal Sharkey has called for the resignation of Steve Reed, citing widespread failures across the water sector.
Feargal Sharkey’s views on Steve Reed
Feargal Sharkey said the newly report on the water industry fails to tackle corporate greed and the ongoing mistreatment of consumers and the environment.
The ex-Undertones frontman placed blame on the current government for the sector’s failures, noting it took office just a year ago.
During an interview on BBC, when asked whether Steve Reed should remain as Environment Secretary, Sharkey replied, “At this moment in time, no.”
He said,
“Steve should reflect very carefully about what he has achieved in the last 12 months, the Labour government has had 14 years to get ready for this and clearly when you have a situation where three days ago it’s announced there has been a 60 per cent increase in serious pollution incidents, you have no control over that industry.”
He said warnings were given to ministers that water firms could avoid the bonus ban by increasing executive salaries.
What did Emma Hardy say about Feargal Sharkey’s criticism?
Water Minister Emma Hardy dismissed Sharkey’s remarks, saying,
“He’s an incredible musician, I loved his band, and he’s been an amazing campaigner.”
She said,
“But I’ll admit that I was slightly disappointed to hear him criticising the report before the report had been published. What I would say is look what we have done since we went into Government.”
Ms Hardy outlined several steps taken by the government, such as axing unjust bonuses for water industry bosses.
She condemned the pay rise given to Southern Water’s chief executive amid ongoing pollution and rising water bills.
The water minister urged water firms to “read the room” to rebuild public trust but stopped short of promising firm limits on corporate excess.
She ruled out backing pay caps in the private sector but warned that public anger over the situation must be taken seriously.
Ms Hardy added,
“I don’t think that as a government we should say what private companies should pay. But I will say – read the room. Look how angry and furious people are.”
What did Giles Bristow say about the water report?
Giles Bristow, Chief Executive, Surfers Against Sewage, said,
“Look past the glossy veneer of today’s Independent Water Commission recommendations and you’ll see it utterly fails to prioritise public benefit over private profit.”
He added,
“You can bet the champagne is flowing in water company boardrooms across the land. “Let the water companies keep raking in dirty profits at our expense, and the electorate won’t forgive you.”
What did Sir Jon Cunliffe’s report reveal about water reform?
Campaigners say the Independent Water Commission’s final report, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, failed to address ongoing issues despite recommending 88 reforms.
The review calls for major regulatory reforms in England, including ending Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. A new ombudsman would replace them under the proposals.
It suggests stripping the Environment Agency and Natural England of powers to monitor pollution and sewage discharges.
What did Sir Jon say about rising water bills?
An independent review led by Sir Jon Cunliffe has projected a 30% rise in water bills across England over the next five years.
He said,
“The inescapable fact is that it costs more to produce drinking water, and it will cost more to deal with our waste water as we go forward.”
Mr Cunliffe stated,
“When you look at the pressures on the water system – look at population growth [and] we want to have data centres in this country – they put huge demands on water.”
He added,
“We have to accept them. But we have to plan for them, we have to decide where the priorities are, and we have to decide how to manage the trade-offs. At the moment, that is just not happening.”
What did Consumer Council’s Mike Keil say about reforms?
Mike Keil stated,
“The commission has set out significant changes to the regulatory system. But water companies have always had the freedom to do what’s right by their customers – and many have made bad choices.”
He added,
“More people are turning to CCW to complain about not being able to afford their bill. Over two in five households have told us they’ve cut spending on essentials like food to make ends meet. The case for a single social tariff for water has never been more urgent.”
What did Water UK say about Sir Jon’s review?
A Water UK spokesperson said,
“Everyone agrees the system has not been working. Today is a major moment, and this fundamental change has been long overdue.”
They added,
“These recommendations should establish the foundations to secure our water supplies, support economic growth and end sewage entering our rivers and seas. The Independent Water Commission has written a comprehensive, detailed review of the whole sector, with many wide-ranging and ambitious recommendations.”