Government refuses to back Labour MP's bill to nationalise polluting water companies, citing potential £200bn cost.

The government has refused to support Labour MP Clive Lewis's bill to nationalise polluting water companies, citing a potential cost of £200bn.

A proposed law aimed at taking failing water companies back into public ownership if they repeatedly pollute Britain's waterways has been blocked, according to PA Media. The government did not back Clive Lewis's water bill, which included measures to tackle water pollution, such as nationalising repeat offenders. The bill proposed that firms responsible for three major sewage spills would have their licenses terminated and be nationalised without compensation. It also included provisions to ensure water affordability, including free water where appropriate.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy argued that renationalising the water industry would cost over £200bn. However, she emphasized the government's commitment to improving water quality and the broader industry. MPs debated the bill for over four hours, but Lewis requested an adjournment until July 4 after failing to secure government backing.

Hardy stated that the Labour Party was elected on a manifesto for change and has a duty to serve working people and the working class. She mentioned that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estimated costs of £99bn to acquire capital assets and £104bn for already-announced investments in the water system.

Lewis introduced his bill by criticizing the legacy of private ownership, proposing reforms that would send failing owners "into the sunset without a penny in compensation." He explained that under the bill, water companies breaching their licenses with major sewage discharges would face severe consequences. After three strikes, their licenses would be terminated, and they would be nationalized without compensation. Lewis described these companies as "price-gouging, asset-stripping, river-killing, vulture-capitalist outfits."