Our neglected rivers

The Liberal Democrats have announced plans for new Blue Flag rivers, setting legally binding targets to prevent sewage dumping in these sites. This initiative comes in response to the current government’s bathing water scheme, which has failed to protect waterways from sewage discharges. 

Since 2020, water companies have discharged sewage into bathing water areas 105,347 times, equating to a staggering 694,487 hours worth of sewage.  

The Liberal Democrats are also announcing new plans to protect coastal marine wildlife, which would see the expansion of the blue belt of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to cover at least 50% of the UK territorial waters by 2030. 

Ali Avaei the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate in Newcastle Central and West backs calls by Ed Davey who said, “Our precious rivers and coastlines have been destroyed after years of a Conservative government letting water firms get away with environmental vandalism. It is time we got tough on polluting and profiteering water firms. The Liberal Democrats have the boldest manifesto on cleaning up our rivers and coastlines. 

“Locally, we are campaigning particularly on the state of the Ouseburn, which feeds solely through our city from Callerton near the airport past residential areas into the Tyne. We invite local people to sign the petition on its clean-up at https://www.newcastle-libdems.org.uk/campaigns/stop-sewage-pollution-in-the-ouseburn  

“Newcastle Liberal Democrats have also entered into dialogue with Northumbrian Water and the Reece Foundation, which are discussing (currently unfunded) ideas for establishing an Ouseburn Way for a better environment and to encourage active travel.” 

“The  state of the Tyne is a testament to the environmental neglect that has become synonymous with the current government. It is high time we prioritise the health of our rivers and hold those in power accountable for their protection, as we are doing locally.” 

You can read more at https://www.libdems.org.uk/stop-sewage