Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Philip Dunne welcomes Monday’s announcement of a consultation on 27 new potential bathing water sites across the country, including two on the River Severn at Ironbridge and Shrewsbury, and one on the River Teme at Ludlow.
Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con)
Q5. Does my right hon. Friend share my enthusiasm about Monday’s announcement of 27 new potential bathing water sites across the country, including three in Shropshire: two on the River Severn at Ironbridge and Shrewsbury, and one on the River Teme at Ludlow? How will those very welcome designations improve the quality of rivers in Shropshire and in the other areas under consideration? (901699)
The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)
On Monday we launched a consultation on the largest ever roll-out of new bathing water sites: 27 potential new bathing waters in England, including an extra one on the River Teme in Ludlow in my right hon. Friend’s constituency. He is right that substantial improvements have been made in recent years. Almost 90% of designated bathing waters in England now meet the higher standards of good or excellent, up from just 76% in 2010; all part of our plan for water which, alongside those on the Conservative Benches voting for the strictest storm overflow targets and plans for unlimited penalties for polluting water companies, was opposed by the Labour party.