Sadiq Khan launches 'ambitious 10-year plan' to clean up London's rivers
The Mayor of London has committed to cleaning up London’s rivers in an ‘ambitious ten-year plan’. The pledge follows analysis from City Hall which found five times more sewage flowed into London’s rivers in 2023 compared to previous years.
The plan will see companies, government agencies, charities and campaigners brought together to develop and deliver an ambitious ten-year plan to clean up London’s waterways and support a diverse range of wildlife. A guide highlighting where Londoners can swim safely is also being unveiled by City Hall, the first of its kind.
Khan has also promised to push Thames Water to address the issue of damaging sewage spills, as well as to expand the installation of sustainable drainage systems, tackle sewer misconnections, and fund reedbeds and other solutions that naturally filter the water in London’s rivers.
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“For far too long London’s rivers have been neglected and damaged by sewage pollution. We have made great progress in cleaning our air in London and I’m committed to doing the same with our rivers,” said the Mayor.
“The Thames and its tributaries are the lifeblood of London and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore waterways and create a future where our rivers are clean, safe and truly for everyone.
“I’m determined to bring together communities and partners to achieve this, working hand-in-hand with the new Government. I know that together we can make our rivers something that every Londoner can be proud of as we continue to build a greener, fairer London for everyone.”
The announcement comes as the Mayor visited the Tideway project, where he was joined by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Rt Hon Steve Reed MP. Due to be completed in 2025, the 25km Thames Tideway tunnel aims to protect the river from sewage pollution, improving the environment.
Kahn has said he hopes to open up more parts of London for walking, paddling and swimming. He has called on a range of key stakeholders - from WWF UK to Thames Water - to sign a commitment to work alongside him in increasing London’s biodiversity and its waterways.
The new ten-year plan follows an announcement by the Secretary of State that funding for projects like the Tideway Project will now be ringfenced - meaning it can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers or the environment, rather than pay bonuses, dividends or salary increases.
“The Thames is a source of national pride. It attracts millions of visitors, provides opportunities for rowing, sailing and other sports, and is a home to beautiful wildlife. But like so many of our waterways, it is in an unacceptable state,” said Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
“This Government will not tolerate water companies illegally pumping sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas and I applaud the Mayor of London for his work in bringing the issue of water pollution to the fore in the capital.
“We will strengthen regulation, crack down on water companies and begin the work of cleaning up Britain’s waterways. As an immediate step, the Water (Special Measures) Bill will give regulators new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against persistent law breakers.”
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