Water

Thérèse Coffey accused of ‘throwing in the towel’ over sewage scandal https://www.theguardian.com/environ...-of-throwing-in-the-towel-over-sewage-scandal

Whilst I think the Tories are a disgrace and have made matters worse (I dont let my dog in the local river anymore) is it not beyond the realms of fantasy for there to be a cross party agreement on issues like this where actions on a long term issue are agreed across parties and all agree to implement and continue said agreement if in power ( for say, 25 years). It would take issues like this out of party political point scoring in the short term. Just a thought and I know there are problems with the idea but there are so many issues that need addressing long term now we need a plan!

 

Can't see that happening while the Tories are more interested in letting their mates rip us all off and trouser millions, while dumping poo in our rivers and seas. Of all utilities, water should be renationalised ASAP.

I do a lot of cycling and have noticed sewage smells in many places including canals, rivers and even in the middle of housing estates. Something which has only crept up over the last few years.

As for long term plans and cross-party agreement, the only way to guarantee that is electoral reform, which would put an end to the wild swings from left to right and back again, which have hamstrung this country for 70 years and more.

 

I agree with just about everything you've put. Unlike me to say so but I do. Only thing I'd pick you up on is when you say 'wild' swings. Swings are sensible when they're for the left. They're 'fackin disgraceful' when they're for the Tory, no investment, 'Im alright Jack', 'sod the vulnerable' lying, corrupt right of centre party which is the current government.
Edit: 'Right of centre' is extremely polite

 

Not 25years, 25 minutes… nationalise

 

Those who have long memories will remember back in 1989 when water was privatised. At the time the argument was that private investment would bring the water industry into the late 20th century cleaning up our rivers and coastal waters. So 34 years later are the government saying that this was a failure? Well had water privatisation been successful they would not need to introduce unlimited fines for pollution. Instead of cleaning up our water courses and seas they just cleaned up by taking billions of pounds of our money in dividends and "fat cat" salaries and bonuses whilst dragging their feet on the task of making their sewage works fit for the 21st century.

I am not confident that the dumping of raw sewage will be a thing of the past in 25 years time.

the privatisations of the 1980s and 90s were selling things off to the public that we already owned.

The sell off of council houses ( now renamed social housing) has meant that many people are now renting the same houses from a private landlord as opposed to the local council or housing association.

Rant over.

 

Why is it the Tories fault?

(Not that I'd want to see them blamed for many things!)

 

Because its happening under a Tory government? Because they privatised in the first place?

 

Yes, I get that Helen. But "it's what the people want" - to coin a phrase. Private water, private transport, private energy companies, private Communications etc...etc Or at least, that's what they keep voting for. Some of these 'industries' are in the private sector and it's bonkers - water being a prime example. But...Democracy eh!

 

They privatised the water companies - except Scottish Water - and refused to legislate to make them spend money upgrading as needed then more recently voted to allow them to dump sewage into the waterways.

 

Everything should be re-nationalised. Taxes should go up to pay for it and we should have even less to take home every month.

 

A slight correction. Its not what the public want - its what the largest minority of the public want - including no voters in Northern Ireland and very few in Scotland or Wales.

 

The question is, do we pay more in direct taxes and less to the provider? or less in direct taxes and more to the provider?

Its like the American argument against state healthcare - it keeps taxes low, but then they pay $1000s in insurance and even more to see a doctor...

 

I agree. Apologies for being sarcastic.

 

Good point - fully accepted. Though I would point out that the 'dodgy' electoral system was also something else the public got a choice on and - voted to keep the dodgy electoral system!

 

Yes, the Lib Dems were done up like a kipper. Instead of a simple yes/no "Do you want to reform the electoral system?", followed by a period of public debate about which system we should use, we were presented with "Do you want to replace our electoral system with the least understandable proportional system you can imagine?". Unsurprisingly the answer was no.

 

OK, let's just leave things as they are then!

 

No, they weren't. They jumped into bed with the Tories and to me showed the worst face of what proportional representation could look like. It was their no.1 aim supposedly, they could have said no coalition until we have the referendum they wanted on PR.

 

Does it taste like Harrogate distilled water if it costs more?

 

Actually, Yorkshire water isn't the worst!

 

I get these general points. I just think the English electorate are let off too lightly and it's 'always the Tories fault'. It isn't. Pretty much every time the electorate are asked to make a decision they make a ropey one:

- Do you want more control over how decisions affect you through greater devolution? - No Thanks, we want control of our lives to come principally from Westminster.
- Do you want a fairer more representative electoral system? No thanks, we'd like one where the largest minority of voters determines who governs us.
- Do you want to be in a Club that allows you travel around the continent for work, pleasure and whatever you see fit? No thanks, we'd like to stay in our village with people just like us.
- Would you like a progressive Govt that believes people, the collective and the community should be at the heart of decision making? No thanks but we reserve the right to have a bl00dy good moan about it on social media when it goes wrong.

The BBS is absolutely not representative of views in this Country (sadly) and I think it's going to get a whole lot worse. But let's start by putting (at least some) of the responsibility on the electorate? If you ask for a **** show you get a **** show.