Protest to demand Government action on sewage crisis
Thousands of people gathered at a record 50+ locations across the UK’s beaches, rivers and lakes, mobilised by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) in protest against sewage pollution and the Government’s failure to tackle it.
Protestors were at Scarborough’s South Bay on Saturday (May 16) to join Paddle Out 26 as part of the action.
The protests follow the King's Speech announcement of the Clean Water Bill, which campaigners argue will lock in the current failed privatised water system.
Giles Bristow, Surfers Against Sewage chief executive said: “The Clean Water Bill is nothing more than a whitewash, locking in a failed system that has seen pollution, shareholder profits and consumer bills soar over three decades. That is why thousands of us are paddling out in protest.
“Public support for privatised water has all but vanished and while thousands take to the beaches in protest the Government is burying its head in the sand.
“Sir Keir should have learned the lesson from Mr Bates vs the Post Office: the public have caught the stink and demand action on the sewage scandal. If he and his Government continue to prop up this dirty business, they must be prepared to face the consequences.
“Whether you're a surfer, swimmer, cold-dipper or water-bill payer, this is our chance to stand up to the polluters, paddle out, and demand that the Government’s reforms bring an end to sewage pollution. Turn up, paddle out and join the fight.”
Following the nationwide Paddle Out Protests, SAS is urging the public to sign the petition (tinyurl.com/y9r47mtz) calling on the UK Government to end the current privatised water industry.