Monmouthshire MP praises ‘toughest criminal penalties in history for water polluters'

Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes has welcomed the introduction of the toughest criminal penalties in history for law-breaking water company executives, as a landmark part of the Water (Special Measures) Bill officially comes into force today.

From today, water bosses who cover up illegal sewage spills can now face up to two years in prison. The new sentencing powers mark a major milestone in the campaign to end the environmental damage caused by persistent water pollution.

The bill – which Catherine helped develop and scrutinise in Parliament – also includes a ban on bonuses for law-breaking water bosses, severe financial penalties for polluting water companies, and new enforcement powers to crack down on persistent polluters.

“From today, persistent water polluters will now face up to two years behind bars, and rightly so.” said Catherine Fookes MP. “For too long, sewage has been endlessly pumped into our rivers with no real consequences. That ends now.”

Catherine has made cleaning up Monmouthshire’s rivers one of her flagship campaigns since becoming Monmouthshire’s MP. The new law, delivers on a key promise in the Labour manifesto to tackle water pollution.

“As part of the Parliamentary committee that scrutinised and developed this legislation, I’m proud to have played a part in making this happen. This is real, tangible action – not just words – to clean up our rivers, protect wildlife, and hold polluting companies to account.”

Catherine continues to work with environmental campaigners, local communities, and regulators to ensure water companies are held accountable and that Monmouthshire’s rivers are protected for generations to come.