Time to Blow the Final Whistle on Thames Water

For years, Thames Water has promised to clean up its act, but our rivers, streams, and communities have paid the price for its failure.

This week’s news that Ministers are preparing for the potential collapse of Thames Water comes as no surprise. The company is drowning in debt, while our River Kennet and the streams in Lambourn continue to suffer from repeated sewage spills.

The Government must now act decisively. That means putting Thames Water into special administration, a process that will allow its enormous debt to be written down, paving the way for real investment in fixing infrastructure and stopping pollution at the source.

As your MP, I’ve heard from countless residents outraged by the state of our rivers and the lack of accountability. This isn’t just about poor management, it’s about protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity of West Berkshire.

We also need a new, stronger regulator with the powers to hold water companies to account, end the cycle of excuses, and put the environment first.

It’s time to blow the final whistle on Thames Water’s failings, and build a water service that works for people, not shareholders.