In an early day motion laid before parliament, Lewis said the industry had proved it was not capable of building the infrastructure required to deal with the impact of climate breakdown, including increased flooding and droughts.
Climate change threats, which are making flooding and drought more severe, required a change to the way the industry was managed to build in resilience, Lewis said. But Lewis said a government bailout of Thames Water would send a dangerous signal to other utilities that reckless decisions carry no private risk. He urged Ofwat to reject Thames Water’s request to increase bills, face lower pollution fines and continue to pay dividends.
The bathing water season began on Wednesday, meaning the Environment Agency will begin the testing of 451 bathing water areas across England.