Statement on Southend MPs Voting Against Amendment 16 to the Water Bill

We are deeply disappointed that both of Southend’s MPs, David Burton-Sampson and Bayo Alaba, chose to vote against Amendment 16 to the Water (Special Measures) Bill. This amendment would have ensured that fines imposed on water companies for pollution were reinvested directly into improving water quality, rather than allowing companies to pass the cost onto customers through higher bills.

At a time when public trust in the water industry is at an all- ime low, this was an opportunity to take a clear stand in favour of accountability and environmental protection. Instead, by opposing this amendment, our MPs have helped maintain a system where the public continues to pay the price for the failures of private water companies.

This raises the question: Did these Labour MPs vote against the amendment simply because it was a Conservative proposal? If so, this is deeply troubling. Water quality and public health should never be a matter of party politics. Regardless of which party puts forward a good idea, our representatives should support measures that benefit the environment and their constituents.

Waterwatch UK will continue to push for greater transparency and accountability, and we urge our local representatives to prioritise the interests of their constituents and the environment over party allegiance. Southend residents deserve better.