The recent Channel 4 real-life drama Dirty Business has shone a national spotlight on deep problems within the water industry, exposing how weak oversight and poor practice have led to pollution and a loss of public trust. Through stories such as Heather Preen’s, it also brings into sharp focus the human cost of a system that has too often put profit before the public good. Here in Exmouth and Exeter East, that reality feels close to home.
For my family, as for many others, our coastline is part of everyday life. We use our beaches and value them deeply. I want my son, and future generations, to be able to enjoy these places safely, without worrying about pollution or water quality.
Trust in the water system has been badly shaken. For too long, water companies have fallen short of the standards the public expects and deserves. The frustration people feel is entirely understandable, and it is something I hear time and again across the constituency.
Since being elected, I have made this a priority. I have brought together South West Water, the Environment Agency, local councillors, and campaigners to press for meaningful action. That has helped secure commitments to accelerate improvements, provide clearer timelines, and improve transparency around discharges.
The pressure on the system is only increasing. Significant housing growth is planned across our area, and infrastructure must keep pace. We have already seen the consequences when it does not. Cranbrook was intended to have its own sewage treatment works, yet its waste is still diverted to Countess Wear, which was already under strain. That situation cannot be repeated. New development must go hand in hand with the infrastructure it relies on.
In Parliament, I have worked to strengthen oversight and accountability. As a member of the cross-party Water Special Measures Committee, I supported tougher measures to hold water companies to account, including banning bonuses for polluting firms, introducing automatic fines for serious failures, and ensuring independent monitoring of every storm overflow.
I have also challenged South West Water directly. Following sustained pressure, they cancelled cash bonuses last year, set out a programme of upgrades, and introduced £200 million support package for vulnerable households.
However, this is not enough. Bills remain high, pollution continues, and people are losing patience. The focus now must be on delivery. Commitments need to translate into real and visible improvements. I will be meeting the incoming Chief Executive to make clear that there can be no delay and no complacency.
Protecting our rivers, estuaries, and beaches is not optional. It is a responsibility. These places are central to our community and must be properly safeguarded for the future. That is the standard I will continue to press for.
