Region's Tory MP votes against plans to “name and shame” water companies killing animals with sewage

A Liberal Democrats proposal to take new action against water companies has been blocked in Parliament by Conservative MPs. New "name and shame" law would have led to annual figures on animals killed by sewage dumping in rivers.

Earlier this week, the Conservative MPs for Hexham and Blyth voted against a new law which would have forced water companies to report on the number of animals killed by sewage dumps.

283 Conservative MPs voted against the plans, versus 179 opposition MPs including Liberal Democrats who voted for.

The vote follows toxic substances known as "forever chemicals", being detected in otters across England and Wales.

The Liberal Democrats tabled an amendment to the new Animal Sentients Bill which would have led to:

* Water companies forced to produce reports on the number of animals killed by toxic and sewage waste dumped in rivers.

* The Government being required to publish an annual report into the number of animals killed by poor water quality in rivers

* The naming and shaming of water companies found to dump sewage in rivers which leads to animals being killed

The Liberal Democrats have demanded an end to sewage dumping in rivers to prevent wildlife being killed and the environment being irreparably damaged.

Cllr Thom Campion, who proposed a motion on river pollution at the last meeting of Newcastle City Council, commented : "Our region's Conservative MPs have again refused to take action against water companies.

"People around here are furious at how badly [insert water company name] treats our local environment. It is outrageous to think wildlife in our local rivers is being poisoned by disgusting raw sewage.

"It is time these water companies stopped polluting our rivers and pay for the mess they have made."

Liberal Democrats Rural Affairs spokesperson Tim Farron MP said:

"Conservative MPs should hang their heads in shame. Yet again they have let water companies off the hook whilst our precious rivers are pumped full of raw sewage.

"Enough is enough, we need to name and shame water companies which are being found to destroy precious wildlife habitat. It is scandalous that animals are swimming in filth and seeing their habitats become sewage traps.

"This is a national scandal. Time and time again Conservative MPs refuse to take tough action on water companies. When will they finally listen to the public and do the right thing before our rivers are damaged beyond repair?"