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MP calls for action on sewage dumped in River Nidd

Thursday, 24 April 2025 14:50

Tom Gordon MP (centre) has called on the government to crack down on sewage dumping.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for action on the dumping of sewage into the River Nidd.

Tom spoke in an opposition day debate brought to Parliament by the Liberal Democrats.

The party is looking to strengthen existing legislation to hold the water industry to account for sewage dumping and failing to upgrade its infrastructure.

He talked about the impact of sewage on the River Nidd, and the consequences of using the river for recreational activities because of sewage dumping.

He also challenged the Conservative deputy whip on the lack of action during her party’s time in power.

Tom said:

“The water industry must stop dumping sewage, polluting our rivers and making people sick. It’s unacceptable, and I will not stop standing up to them and for my constituents until there is no more sewage being dumped, and customers don’t have to swallow vast bill increases.

“My constituents in Harrogate and Knaresborough should be able to enjoy the River Nidd without worrying about getting sick. That they do is an outrage, and the Government must do all it can to end the water industry’s reign of negligence and hold them to account.

“Enough is enough. The water industry is in a complete state and this farce cannot go on. Our money should be going into sorting out this diabolical situation, not lining the pockets of shareholders and CEOs.”

Since Tom was elected over 9 months ago, Yorkshire Water has been hit by scandal, including being fined for sewage dumping, criticised for poor customer service and paying out a vast £371,000 bonus to their CEO, despite continued sewage dumping.

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