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Thousands of protesters, dressed in blue, marched through London on Sunday, demanding government action to address the UK's severe sewage pollution crisis. The march, organized by over 130 environmental and water sports organizations, aimed to highlight the urgent need for cleaner waterways and rivers.
Organizers and Participants:
The march was led by prominent figures including broadcaster Chris Packham, actor Jim Murray, and Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage. Participants included a wide array of organizations, including the National Women Institutes and the GMB union.
Messages and Banners:
Protesters waved banners with messages like "Stop poisoning Britain's waterways" and "Cut the crap, save our rivers." Many participants also brandished Extinction Rebellion flags.
Pollution Crisis:
The protest highlighted the severe pollution crisis in the UK's water supply. Last year, England's water companies discharged untreated sewage into rivers and oceans for over 3.6 million hours, a 105% rise from the previous year. This has led to a significant increase in fish die-offs.
Regulatory Failure:
The root of the issue lies in the regulatory framework, which has failed to enforce laws and hold polluters accountable. Ofwat, the water regulator, has been criticized for siphoning off over £70 billion in dividends from the industry, funds that should have been invested in making the system sustainable.
Government Accountability:
The protesters called for decisive action from the government to address the issue. Melissa Green, chief executive of the WI, emphasized that the government has the regulations and regulators but needs to hold individuals accountable for the deliberate and knowing pollution of waterways for profit. The march was a significant demonstration of public concern and a call to action for the government to address the nation’s polluted coastal waters and rivers.
Organizers and Participants:
The march was led by prominent figures including broadcaster Chris Packham, actor Jim Murray, and Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage. Participants included a wide array of organizations, including the National Women Institutes and the GMB union.
Messages and Banners:
Protesters waved banners with messages like "Stop poisoning Britain's waterways" and "Cut the crap, save our rivers." Many participants also brandished Extinction Rebellion flags.
Pollution Crisis:
The protest highlighted the severe pollution crisis in the UK's water supply. Last year, England's water companies discharged untreated sewage into rivers and oceans for over 3.6 million hours, a 105% rise from the previous year. This has led to a significant increase in fish die-offs.
Regulatory Failure:
The root of the issue lies in the regulatory framework, which has failed to enforce laws and hold polluters accountable. Ofwat, the water regulator, has been criticized for siphoning off over £70 billion in dividends from the industry, funds that should have been invested in making the system sustainable.
Government Accountability:
The protesters called for decisive action from the government to address the issue. Melissa Green, chief executive of the WI, emphasized that the government has the regulations and regulators but needs to hold individuals accountable for the deliberate and knowing pollution of waterways for profit. The march was a significant demonstration of public concern and a call to action for the government to address the nation’s polluted coastal waters and rivers.
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