pollution

‘Revolving door’ of staff between water firms and regulators clamping down on sewage ‘stinks’

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https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/battle-against-sewage-undermined-revolving-door-staff-2435283

At least six senior workers identified as moving jobs between regulators including Ofwat and the Environment Agency and water companies in Lib Dem investigation

SWANAGE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: Beach goers are seen enjoying the weather at the beach, on August 19, 2022 in Swanage, United Kingdom. Swanage was named, on Wessex Water's website, as one of the beaches where sewage was discharged on Wednesday??August 17th. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
It comes amid widespread concerns around the number of sewage spills in the UK (Photo: Finnbarr Webster/Getty)

By Arj Singh

Deputy Political Editor

June 26, 2023 6:00 am(Updated 8:19 am)

There is a “revolving door” of executives between regulators supposed to clamp down on sewage spills and water companies, raising questions about a “conflict of interest”, an investigation has revealed.

At least six senior current industry staff members have been identified as moving jobs between regulators including Ofwat and the Environment Agency and water firms such as Southern, Northumbrian and South West Water.

It has triggered warnings that regulators could feel “sympathetic to their mates at their former company” or “water company executives who know how to avoid regulations”, and calls for the anti-corruption watchdog Acoba (Advisory Committee on Business Appointments) to investigate.

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https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/battle-against-sewage-undermined-revolving-door-staff-2435283

Continue Reading‘Revolving door’ of staff between water firms and regulators clamping down on sewage ‘stinks’

Surfers Against Sewage protest actions Sat 20th May

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April 2023 Surfers Against Sewage and Extinction Rebellion protests in St Agnes, Perranporth, Truro and Charlestown which unveiled spoof Blue Plaques to the MPs and Conservative Government who allowed raw sewage to be dumped in the sea (Image: Surfers Against Sewage)
April 2023 Surfers Against Sewage and Extinction Rebellion protests in St Agnes, Perranporth, Truro and Charlestown which unveiled spoof Blue Plaques to the MPs and Conservative Government who allowed raw sewage to be dumped in the sea (Image: Surfers Against Sewage)

From Surfers Against Sewage’s website:

Surfers Against Sewage are hosting a national day of action on Saturday the 20th May 2023. There will be 12 lead protests hosted nation wide on this date, each one protesting against each of the UK water companies, as well as a few smaller DIY protests.

Check our map for your local protest location.

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The UK sewage system is at breaking point. It’s under huge strain from a growing population and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change. Built on a Victorian system, our decaying sewage infrastructure is in desperate need of investment.

But rather than spending money where it’s needed, water companies are stuffing their pockets with our money while failing environmental targets and pillaging our waterways. They continue to get away with regularly dumping untreated sewage into our blue spaces for millions of hours every year whilst regulators and The Government turn a blind eye. This needs to stop now.

We REFUSE to spend another summer swimming in sh*t and we DEMAND that water companies stop making a profit from pollution and start investing in our future, for the sake of people and the planet.

Continue ReadingSurfers Against Sewage protest actions Sat 20th May

LOVE IN ACTION: Extinction Rebellion blockades Luton Airport private jet terminals in Valentine’s Day protest

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Extinction Rebellion protest private jets at Luton airport. Image: Extinction Rebellion

Extinction Rebellion and affiliated groups blockaded Luton Airport’s Harrods Aviation and Signature private jet terminals this morning to demand the government take urgent action to ban private jets, tax frequent flyers and make wealthy polluters pay. 

Extinction Rebellion protest private jets at Luton airport. Image: Extinction Rebellion

The protest is part of a global co-ordinated action launched last week by climate activists across 11 countries, which is targeting multiple sites in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the US.

Groups chose to take action today due to the rise in the use of private jet flights for supposedly romantic Valentine’s Day dates, and to invite anyone watching to go to Parliament from April 21st to be part of 100,000 people calling for a citizen-led transition away from fossil fuels.

Today’s protest is part of the ongoing “Make Them Pay” campaign by Scientist Rebellion, Extinction Rebellion (XR), and Stay Grounded which has three key demands: ban private jets, tax frequent flyers and make polluters pay.

Extinction Rebellion: The Big One

Continue ReadingLOVE IN ACTION: Extinction Rebellion blockades Luton Airport private jet terminals in Valentine’s Day protest