LONDON, United Kingdom (Reuters) — A significant turnout of environmentally conscious citizens flooded the streets of central London on Sunday, rallying for urgent reforms to address the pollution of the nation’s rivers and seas.
Among the notable attendees were renowned environmentalist and musician Feargal Sharkey, as well as famed adventurer Bear Grylls. This powerful demonstration, dubbed The March for Clean Water, garnered support from numerous advocacy organizations, including Greenpeace, the Wildlife Trusts, and British Rowing.
Demonstrators expressed their frustration with the current water management systems, demanding comprehensive reviews of the water regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency. They are calling for stricter penalties for water companies that violate pollution regulations.
Organizers from River Action estimated that about 15,000 individuals participated, many dressed in blue attire and carrying containers filled with water samples from locations meaningful to them. Creative expressions abounded, with participants showcasing vibrant costumes and holding placards emblazoned with slogans like “tides not turds,” “cut the crap,” and “water for life.”
In a recent legislative move, the newly elected Labour government outlined plans to empower regulators to impose severe penalties, including potential prison sentences, on water companies and their executives found guilty of polluting practices.
“We acknowledge that the current framework is inadequate. It’s overly complex, sluggish, and failing both the public and the environment,” stated a representative from Water UK, the trade body for the industry. “We cannot afford to postpone the critical upgrades and expansion of our infrastructure any longer; it’s time for Ofwat to rethink its strategies.”
