Lib Dems in parliament force government retreat on sewage

 This message came through tonight from Richard Foord, our MP for Tiverton:

Frank, after nearly 18 months of campaigning at every level across our party, we Liberal Democrats have finally worn down the Government on sewage. I have just tabled an amendment to the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill, which has just been passed in the House of Commons, with the Government standing down their opposition to our campaign. The amendment ensures that the Government’s new Infrastructure Bank will not invest in water companies unless they produce a costed and time-limited plan to end sewage discharges into local rivers. The prospect of taxpayers' funds going to water companies who are paying their executives millions of pounds in bonuses, while permitting prolific sewage discharges is scandalous. Together, we have stopped this from happening. This is a victory for millions of people across the country who have voiced their outrage at water companies being allowed to get away with polluting rivers, lakes and coastlines. As the only political party tackling this issue, the Liberal Democrats have been their voice on this environmental scandal and we will continue to champion their cause. This has truly been a victory for our entire party. From grassroots activists protesting on beaches and at riversides to local campaigners, councillors, MPs and Peers tackling this matter on every level of Government. Our Parliamentary staff and advisers have worked tirelessly to produce damning research and get this amendment passed, and our Media and Digital teams have made sure our story hit the headlines and our social media campaigns are seen by millions of people across the country. We have proved that when we work together, we can win together. However, there is still a long way to go. The Government is still refusing to ban sewage discharges into swimming water and areas where protected wildlife live. And they are still refusing to ban water company CEO's rewarding themselves with bonuses whilst this environmental scandal happens. Will you join our campaign to Stop Sewage Dumping today, and help us continue to fight for what we know is right?

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