Put Public Ownership of Water Back on the Table

Privatisation of water isn’t failing - it is the failure. The Government is mid-way through a major review of the water sector. But so far, it has refused to consider a potential solution that’s backed by 82% of the British public: public ownership. Instead of protecting private profits, we should prioritise clean, affordable, and democratically-controlled water for all. That's why Clive Lewis MP and Compass are calling on the Government to put public ownership back on the table.

Water is a critical national resource. It is something on which all life and ecological health depends. It belongs to all of us. Water access and our water system are set to come under tremendous strain as the result of climate change.

We refuse to stand by while water companies drain our pockets, all while failing to tackle rampant pollution or invest adequately in climate resilience.

Let’s be clear: all these polluters are doing is lining their pockets. For decades, English water firms have let infrastructure collapse, poured raw sewage into our rivers, taken out billions in debt, and prioritised £85 billion in shareholder dividends over public need.

The answers do not lie in failed regulators or tinkering. We must have the courage to change the rules - and put public ownership back on the table.