Millward Calls for Immediate Takeback of ‘Failed’ Water Companies
Rachel Millward, deputy leader of the Green Party, has called for the immediate nationalisation of South East Water and Thames Water, insisting there will be no compensation for shareholders. She made her demands at the Green Party conference, stating:
“Burnham’s 10-year plan of gentle threats and vague notions of control is inadequate. Too many of our water companies have already failed. Here in Sussex, we often find ourselves driving to buy bottled water because nothing comes out of our taps. No major reservoir has been built in this country since privatisation began 35 years ago.”
Millward announced the Green Party’s intention to take both companies back into public ownership before Christmas, at no cost to taxpayers, emphasising that the tools to do so were available. “Forget compensation for shareholders and creditors; these are insolvent companies,” she added.
Earlier in her address, Millward highlighted the concerning trend of sewage being dumped into rivers by private companies, indicating how far the system has deviated from its purpose. She lamented that water, the essence of life, has been sold to profit-driven entities.
Speeches Focus on Multiculturalism and Youth Employment
Millward was not the only speaker addressing critical issues at the conference. Mothin Ali, also a deputy leader, stressed the importance of celebrating and protecting Britain’s multicultural fabric. He urged the Burnham government to recognise rising racist violence and called for a national emergency response.
Ali also reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring everyone’s right to belong in the UK. He stated, “At a time when the country faces unprecedented levels of racist violence and intimidation, we need leadership.”
In regard to youth employment, Ali proposed a “youth jobs guarantee” to combat the high unemployment rates among young people, with one million classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training). He emphasised current strategies fall short and require significant improvement.
The Green Party is positioning itself as a compelling alternative for progressive voters, particularly as Labour’s leadership, led by Andy Burnham, faces scrutiny.
Tory Conference Set to Begin Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party conference is set to commence, with leader Kemi Badenoch expected to announce significant measures including funding for new prison places funded by cuts to the overseas aid budget. Amid spiralling costs of living, the party aims to address concerns about energy and housing affordability, while backtracking on previous policies affecting welfare.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Green Party’s push for immediate action on water companies and youth employment encapsulates their drive for change in the UK’s approach to public services and democracy.
