David Rutley MP has released a statement about the recent Environment Bill vote on sewage and storm overflows.

The statement comes after the MP for Macclesfield voted to support the Government's motion to remove a section of an amendment to the Environment Bill (see pages 6-9) made by the House of Lords, which included putting a duty on 'sewerage undertakers to take all reasonable steps to ensure untreated sewage is not discharged from storm overflows'.

Rutley, and all 290 Conservative MPs voted for the bill, as did 1 DUP parliamentarian.

172 other MPs voted against the motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 65.

In a statement sent to Macclesfield Nub News, Mr Rutley said:

"Over recent days, I have been in contact with Defra Ministers about what steps the Government is taking to significantly reduce storm overflows.

"They explained that as part of the Environment Bill, which is in its final stages in Parliament, the Government announced on 26th October that the Bill will be further strengthened with a new amendment.

"This amendment will see a duty enshrined in law to ensure water companies secure a progressive reduction in the adverse impacts of discharges from storm overflows.

"The amendment also further strengthens the range of measures already being taken by the Government through the Bill, which as currently drafted will put in place more protections against water pollution than ever before.

"Earlier this year the Government published new strategic priorities for Ofwat, the industry's financial regulator, which set out the steps the water companies must take to 'significantly reduce storm overflows.'

"This Strategic Policy Statement significantly influences investment decisions and helps drive action from water companies.

"The Government's new amendment will put this expectation into law, to further align the Bill with the Government's strategic priorities for the sector and ensure that action is taken to reduce harms from storm overflows.

"A number of constituents have been in touch with me on this important issue recently, including the Duke of Wellington's recent amendment.

"The Government was unable to accept the Duke of Wellington's well-intentioned amendment as the age of our Victorian sewerage system means a complete elimination of discharges from storm overflows would be extremely challenging and initial assessments suggest that it would cost over £150 billion pounds.

"I will continue to keep close to this important issue over the weeks ahead."

The vote was held at held on 20 October 2021 at 19:30, with a strengthening of the bill responding to criticism revealed six days later.

Despite this, social media continues to see outrage against the bill, including a series of viral tweets from former singer of The Undertones Feargal Sharkey.

David Rutley was first elected as Macclesfield's MP in May 2010.

He has also served as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Welfare Delivery since September 2021.

The father-of-four is honorary vice-president Ash Tree Cricket Club, Prestbury. He recently voiced his support for Macclesfield's Treacle Market.

To find more about Macclesfield's MP of 11 years, you can follow him on Twitter.

You can also find his contact details here.

See Also: Rutley puts pressure on fight to re-open maternity services at Macclesfield Hospital.

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