Will the Lords wreck government plans to pollute our rivers?

Charlotte Owen
, 12 September 2023
Will the Lords wreck government plans to pollute our rivers?
Michael J Vickers

The government’s plans to weaken water pollution rules could be blocked in the House of Lords this week.

The Duke of Wellington has laid a ‘wrecking amendment’ to oppose the government’s attempt to scrap water pollution rules for developers, which would devastate our rivers, waste taxpayer money, and fail to significantly boost house building. If the wrecking amendment is passed, the Lords will effectively block the government’s damaging legislation and maintain legal protection for our most sensitive rivers.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on proceedings and will keep you updated. 

Update: 14 September - Good news! Peers voted against the government's amendment and water pollution rules will not be scrapped for developers.

Whatever happens, the issue will return to the House of Commons for another vote by MPs, so now is a good time to get in touch with your MP to let them know this is an issue you care about.

Here’s how you can help:

And you can read more about this issue in our previous blogs:

Rivers in Crisis (6 September)
Government’s latest attack on nature targets water pollution rules (29 August)

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