gg2
UK minister plans water industry law reform
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
UK environment secretary Angela Eagle says government is prepared to change law to reform water industry. The move follows PM Andy Burnham's pledge to bring water under public control.
Background
The UK water industry, particularly Thames Water, has faced financial troubles and criticism over sewage spills and supply disruptions. New PM Andy Burnham has blamed privatization for the industry's failures and promised to bring utilities under public control. Environment secretary Angela Eagle has now said 'nothing is off the table' in reforming the sector.
How it unfolded
- Aug 31, 2026PM Andy Burnham says taking water companies like Thames Water into public control is crucial to his vision for the country.
- Sep 1, 2026In his first Commons statement, Burnham describes Britain's water industry as 'a leaking monument' to private ownership, promising to be 'relentless' in giving people ownership and control.
- Sep 3, 2026Environment secretary Angela Eagle says the government is prepared to change the law to reform the water industry, insisting 'nothing is off the table' in dealing with Thames Water.
Who’s saying what
- Government
- The water industry is failing because it is privately run, and public control is needed to fix it.
- Opposition
- Conservative MP Alison Griffiths pressed Burnham on his plans, highlighting the difficulty of reversing privatization.