The King’s Speech is a significant step forward for water reform, but urgent action to protect rivers must not be delayed

• The King’s Speech on 13th May is due to include the Water Reform Bill, which the government is calling the biggest overhaul of the water system in a generation

• But there will be no debate on the environment in Parliament, adding to long-running concerns that the environment is being disregarded in the process of reform and the government’s wider push for economic growth

• The Rivers Trust is clear that a healthy natural environment is fundamental to a thriving economy and society

• The promise of new laws must not stop us from taking action now and properly enacting existing ones

The Rivers Trust is pleased to see that the King’s Speech tomorrow (13th May) is due to include the Water Reform Bill, but the promise of new laws must not stop us from taking urgent action to protect and restore rivers now.

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, said: “The King’s Speech marks a significant moment for the water environment and a step towards changing a system that has failed communities and the environment for decades. We hope to see a future where water is managed much more effectively, taking account of the many factors that impact waterways. We want to see polluters paying for the damage they cause, and all those who benefit contributing to the restoration of resilient rivers and catchments.”

The Rivers Trust has been calling for a radical transformation in how water is managed for several years, championing a long-term, catchment-based approach that ensures pollution is tackled at source, nature is given space to thrive, and rivers are more resilient to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather. The review of the water sector led by Sir Jon Cunliffe contained a comprehensive set of recommendations which, if embraced fully, would vastly improve the water environment. However, there is already significant legislation which, if fully enacted, would improve the state of our rivers.

Mark Lloyd added: “Water reform is desperately needed, but this new law must not be used as a reason to delay action or hold off from enforcing existing laws as it completes its passage through parliament.”

The Rivers Trust is also concerned that none of the parliamentary debates scheduled for the day of the King’s Speech are focused on the environment.

Mark Lloyd commented: “The environment has been a theme of monarch’s speeches in past years. Taking it out only adds to our long-running concern about the government’s anti-nature rhetoric as it chases economic growth. A healthy environment is at the heart of thriving communities and the economy and must be a core priority of water reform.”