LibDems slammed over policy that would flood homes with sewage

PMQs: Ed Davey questions Rishi Sunak on sewage

The Liberal Democrats have been mocked after they called for the Government to “ban sewage discharges” over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Tim Farron, the party’s environment secretary, yesterday called on the Government to demand water companies don’t discharge sewage onto popular beaches when many Brits will be hoping to head there over the long weekend.

However, the policy hit the fan shortly after the demand was met.

Sources have hit back at the Lib Dems, mocking them for the policy given it would result in burst pipes, and sewage flowing into people’s homes.

While the Government is determined to tackle the problem of sewage overflows, the Department for the Environment has slammed the Lib Dems, saying merely turning them off would be disastrous and risk people’s lives.

READ MORE: Water companies face paying out millions over seaside sewage allegations

“Storm overflows are an automatic safety valve that release excess pressure on the network. This prevents sewage backing up into properties and stops widespread mains pipe bursts across the country.”

“This is a reckless suggestion that risks the safety of homes and businesses.”

Separately a Government source has told the Express: “We’re used to the Lib Dems making up ridiculous policy, but frankly this is the most dangerous one yet”.

“It would mean people spending their bank holiday with sewage backing up through their toilets”.

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The Lib Dem press release also said: “if water companies have to complete emergency infrastructure work over the next 48 hours then so be it”.

It has been pointed out the Thames Tideway project has taken over seven years and is still not finished.

The Government said that last year 93 percent of bathing waters met the highest standards of ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, up from just 76 percent in 2010.

The Lib Dems’ Tim Farron said Therese Coffey is “missing in action whilst families are at risk of becoming sick from sewage”.

“Why on earth is the Government not speaking up on these disgusting acts of environmental vandalism?

“Water firms are committing a national scandal whilst Ministers look the other way. Frankly the whole thing stinks.”

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