A debate on water industry ownership is scheduled for 14 September 2026. The UK Government has proposed broad water reforms.

A debate on water industry ownership is scheduled for 14 September 2026. The UK Government has proposed broad water reforms.

Motion that this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector. Agreed to on question. Sitting adjourned without Question put.

Motion that this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector. Agreed to on question. Sitting adjourned without Question put.

I beg to move,

That this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector.

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. I begin by thanking Ashley Paul Smith, who is sitting in the Public Gallery, for pulling together this petition....

I beg to move,

That this House has considered e-petition 762640 relating to a referendum on public ownership of the water sector.

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. I begin by thanking Ashley Paul Smith, who is sitting in the Public Gallery, for pulling together this petition....

That brilliant documentary was based on an example relating to South West Water and Devon. Many people in my area would like South West Water to become a company for the public benefit and mutualised. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that would be a good model for South West...

That brilliant documentary was based on an example relating to South West Water and Devon. Many people in my area would like South West Water to become a company for the public benefit and mutualised. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that that would be a good model for South West...

As I run through my speech, the hon. Gentleman will find a theme of strong support for public ownership of the water sector throughout. We absolutely must look at that option.

Ash’s petition calls for

“a binding national referendum on whether the water industry should be returned to public ownership…A referendum would...

As I run through my speech, the hon. Gentleman will find a theme of strong support for public ownership of the water sector throughout. We absolutely must look at that option.

Ash’s petition calls for

“a binding national referendum on whether the water industry should be returned to public ownership…A referendum would...

rose—

rose—

rose—

rose—

Go on.

Go on.

My constituents in Morecambe and Lunesdale are really cross about the level of their water bills, and they get more cross when they see the profits being taken out of the water industry. Does my hon. Friend agree that that anger is fair and justified, and that some change needs...

My constituents in Morecambe and Lunesdale are really cross about the level of their water bills, and they get more cross when they see the profits being taken out of the water industry. Does my hon. Friend agree that that anger is fair and justified, and that some change needs...

I absolutely agree that there is huge frustration out there, which I will refer to later in my speech. I give way to my other hon. Friend.

I absolutely agree that there is huge frustration out there, which I will refer to later in my speech. I give way to my other hon. Friend.

My constituents in Putney are angry about Thames Water. They can see that they are paying more but getting less because of the model that we have. Does my hon. Friend agree that Thames Water needs to go into special administration and that all our water companies need to be...

My constituents in Putney are angry about Thames Water. They can see that they are paying more but getting less because of the model that we have. Does my hon. Friend agree that Thames Water needs to go into special administration and that all our water companies need to be...

I will certainly come to that subject later in my speech. My view is absolutely that there needs to be fundamental change in how we ensure that people have access to affordable, safe and secure water supplies.

I will certainly come to that subject later in my speech. My view is absolutely that there needs to be fundamental change in how we ensure that people have access to affordable, safe and secure water supplies.

I will make a little progress; otherwise, I am not going to get past the next few paragraphs.

In 1989, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sold off our then publicly owned water and sewerage industry for £5.2 billion, arguing that privatisation would bring desperately needed investment to the sector. She told the...

I will make a little progress; otherwise, I am not going to get past the next few paragraphs.

In 1989, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sold off our then publicly owned water and sewerage industry for £5.2 billion, arguing that privatisation would bring desperately needed investment to the sector. She told the...

My constituents in Manchester Rusholme have seen a £57 increase this year, yet it is safe to say that there has been very little to show for it. Just last week, United Utilities had to pay a further £900,000 in fines for dumping raw sewage. Does my hon. Friend agree...

My constituents in Manchester Rusholme have seen a £57 increase this year, yet it is safe to say that there has been very little to show for it. Just last week, United Utilities had to pay a further £900,000 in fines for dumping raw sewage. Does my hon. Friend agree...

The short answer is yes—I absolutely agree.

The short answer is yes—I absolutely agree.

Will my hon. Friend give way?

Will my hon. Friend give way?

I will make some progress, and then I will.

The current model is absolutely an economic failure. Private companies have paid out, in 2024 prices, around £83 billion—an average of £2.4 billion a year—as dividends, while loading the companies in debt. Often, those loans were taken out simply to increase the...

I will make some progress, and then I will.

The current model is absolutely an economic failure. Private companies have paid out, in 2024 prices, around £83 billion—an average of £2.4 billion a year—as dividends, while loading the companies in debt. Often, those loans were taken out simply to increase the...

Last year, Severn Trent reported profits of £850 million, which is an increase of 45% on the previous year, yet my constituents’ water bills have risen by around 10%. There have also been occasions when Severn Trent has not been as quick to carry out repairs as it could have...

Last year, Severn Trent reported profits of £850 million, which is an increase of 45% on the previous year, yet my constituents’ water bills have risen by around 10%. There have also been occasions when Severn Trent has not been as quick to carry out repairs as it could have...

I absolutely agree. As my hon. Friend will hear throughout my speech, the evidence clearly shows us that the model is failing in a range of areas. I know that my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth West (Jessica Toale) and the right hon. Member for South Holland and The...

I absolutely agree. As my hon. Friend will hear throughout my speech, the evidence clearly shows us that the model is failing in a range of areas. I know that my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth West (Jessica Toale) and the right hon. Member for South Holland and The...