Sewage Scandal Demands Action, Say Lib Dem MPs
Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, Ian Roome, has warned of a “national scandal” after figures have revealed a shocking rise in sewage being dumped on beaches despite them having Blue Flag status.
The research shows sewage was dumped near Croyde Bay 27 times for a total of 114 hours last year, despite it having Blue Flag status.
The Liberal Democrat analysis of Environment Agency data found that nationally there were a staggering 2,328 sewage discharges near Blue Flag beaches in 2023, lasting over 17,174 hours. This is 55% up on 2022, when there were 1,504 sewage discharges near England’s Blue Flag beaches. Blue Flag status is an international mark of recognition that a beach is deemed safe and environmentally friendly. In order to qualify for a Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for an end to sewage dumping into bathing waters and highly sensitive nature sites by 2030. Lib Dem MPs including Ian Roome MP recently endorsed the Climate and Nature Bill in a special visit to Downing Street, and will be meeting with both the North Devon Climate Forum, and the owners of South West Water in the coming weeks, to tackle the issue head-on.
Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, Ian Roome said:
“This is a local and national scandal, and really undermines the special status that our local beaches have been granted. North Devon’s treasured beaches must be protected from foul sewage dumping.
“It is shocking to hear of families becoming sick after taking a dip in the sea while enjoying the summer holiday.
“I heard it over and over again from constituents in the campaign - profiteering and polluting water firms have been allowed to get away with it far too long. Still today, water companies pay themselves massive profits, all whilst destroying our country’s coastlines.
“The new government must clamp down on sewage pollution after years of failure under the Conservatives and at last put our local environment first.”