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19
Feb 2023
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP says sewage criticism 'ridiculous'
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones has described criticism of his record on sewage as "ridiculous".
Mr Jones was one of 265 Conservative MPs who voted to stop Amendment 45 to the Environment Bill in October 2021, which would have forced water companies to reduce the amount of sewage they discharged and pay for its environmental damage.
He subsequently supported a government amendment to make water companies provide “costed plans” on how to reduce the amount of sewage.
This has led to claims, especially from the Liberal Democrats, that he and his party are allowing too much sewage to pollute rivers.
Mr Jones said on his Community News website that "the recent spate of US attack-style campaigning over sewage in water... stands the truth on its head" and needed challenging.
He said untreated sewage had been discharged into waterways when sewers were overloaded since Victorian times.
He added overflows were happening more frequently due to severe weather and more items like wet wipes being flushed down drains and the focus should be on changing this. He said:
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Mr Jones said removing the overflows would cost up to £593 billion — the equivalent of closing the NHS for over three years. He added:
Mr Jones with the owner of Knaresborough Lido on the River Nidd.
Mr Jones also highlighted his campaign to have the River Nidd in Knaresborough designated as bathing water as evidence of his willingness to tackle water quality.
The Stray Ferret asked the Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats if it wished to comment but has not had a response.
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