This week a BBC Panorama investigation seems to have uncovered serious failings in the ongoing sewage crisis, and this is a damning report on what we have been raising the alarm on for far too long now.

Last year United Utilities dumped untreated sewage into our rivers and seas for 425,000 hours, more than any other water company. All whilst making £440m in profit.

The investigation highlighted

• Dozens of downgraded pollution incidents in the company’s self-reporting
• Ratings which are based only on the quality of treated sewage not raw sewage discharge levels
• Stopping treatment to produce “no-flow” tests gets an automatic pass from the regulator, with United Utilities having 191 no-flow tests last year
• The Environment Agency not inspecting pollution incidents as often (just 5%) or as thoroughly as they should

It is clear that the Government’s regulation has failed, with residents and marine life paying the price.

I’m demanding that the Government act now and have asked that the Environment Secretary – the 10th since 2010 – responds to the concerns raised by Panorama in their investigation in my letter which you can read below: