Protesters gathered for a 'March for Clean Water' in London on November 3, 2024, urging the government to 'stop the poisoning of Britain's waters'. — AFP
On Sunday, thousands of people took to the streets of central London, calling for urgent measures to clean up Britain's rivers and seas. Environmental activist and singer Feargal Sharkey, along with adventurer Bear Grylls, were set to join the march, which was supported by organizations such as Greenpeace, the Wildlife Trusts, and British Rowing.
The protesters are pushing for a review of water regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency, as well as tougher enforcement against water companies that violate pollution regulations. River Action reported that approximately 15,000 marchers participated, many of whom wore blue and brought water samples from bodies of water they hold dear. Some participants donned elaborate costumes, while others carried signs with messages like 'tides not turds', 'cut the crap', and 'water for life'.
The new Labour government recently introduced legislation that would empower regulators to impose harsher penalties, including prison sentences, on polluting water companies and their executives. 'We agree that the system is not working. It is too complicated, too slow, and is not delivering for people or the environment,' said a spokesperson for Water UK, the industry's trade association. 'We cannot delay upgrading and expanding vital infrastructure any longer and need Ofwat to reconsider its approach,' they added.
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