Good afternoon all,

We have a few updates relating to the ongoing sewage pollution crisis and our petition which might interest you.

Many thanks,

Ed Acteson

Response from Downing Street

In December I, as well as several other members of SOS Whitstable, visited Number 10 Downing Street to deliver our petition (and meet Larry the Cat) after it crossed the 200,000 signature threshold.

We finally received a response in February, from Environment Minister Rebecca Pow, who predictably defended their policy and stated that they have no plans to return water to public ownership.

You can read her full response by clicking here and see photos from our visit by clicking here.

Paul Whitehouse: Our Troubled Rivers

We're delighted to have been involved in the filming of a new two-part documentary by Paul Whitehouse on the ongoing sewage pollution crisis, with SOS Whitstable member Sal Burtt-Jones discussing local issues with Paul.

You can watch 'Paul Whitehouse: Our Troubled Rivers' on BBC2 at 8PM this Sunday (5th March) and next Sunday (12th).

Labour Yet to Commit to Public Ownership

Despite several Labour MPs publicly backing a return to public ownership, not only of the water industry but of several other key utilities, it has become increasingly apparent that the overall party line is that, should they win the election, this will not become their official policy.

While there is no chance that the Conservatives will undo their own mistake from 1989, it is disappointing that Labour are not running with this issue. Therefore, if you do live in a Labour constituency it is vital that you write to your MP and press your support for a return to public ownership to apply pressure.

You can do so by clicking here.

Petition Nears 210,000+

Thank you again for the amazing ongoing support. Already one of the most signed petitions in UK history, we are closing in on 210,000 signatures.

Any further help you can give by sharing on social media, WhatsApp groups or LinkedIn would be greatly appreciated!