The Liberal Democrats have proposed new measures to protect rivers and coastlines in their General Election manifesto. Party leader Sir Ed Davey criticizes the Conservative Government's current bathing water scheme as inadequate, accusing it of failing to prevent sewage pollution.
The Liberal Democrats plan to introduce new Blue Flag status for rivers, establishing legally binding targets to stop sewage dumping. The proposal aims to provide special protections for swimmers and wildlife.
Additionally, the party advocates for expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to cover at least 50% of UK territorial waters by 2030. They propose this expansion in cooperation with UK Overseas Territories and enhanced government monitoring.
Data from the Environment Agency indicates a significant rise in sewage spills, with a 54% increase from 2022 to 2023. The Liberal Democrats also intend to abolish Ofwat, replacing it with a new regulator with more robust powers, and propose banning bonuses for water company executives.