Backtracking on ‘green’ commitments

LAST week (on Wednesday 24th April) the Labour Party supported the Conservative Government in voting through controversial measures that have weakened the water regulator’s (OFWAT) ability to enforce action to clean up our rivers and beaches.

The Conservatives brought forward measures that effectively mean that OFWAT should prioritise water company profits over action on the environment. It is disappointing that Labour chose to support them, and is further evidence that Labour is backtracking on its environmental commitments.

Whilst canvassing, I have met many people on doorsteps, all of whom are looking for change and an end to this divisive, failing government. The emphasis I get from people is that they want ‘change,’ they don’t want more of the status quo. Increasingly it is hard to see what change Labour are really proposing. Mr Starmer’s message seems to be ‘more of the same, but we’ll be less strident about it.’

The campaign slogan from Labour of ‘get the Tories out’ is unhelpful. To what end are we ‘getting them out’? If it is not to enact real change, then what is the purpose?

The Liberal Democrats are campaigning for real change in the water companies. No more huge dividends for overseas shareholders or multi-million pound bonuses for executives. As public benefit companies they would have clear objectives to achieve environmental improvements and above all to end

sewage dumping. It is a shame that Labour and the Conservatives see making a profit as a higher priority. Mark Wooding Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Central Devon