We all know that recent Environment Agency figures show South West Water discharged raw sewage into waterways for longer than any other company last year. It was spilt from storm overflows for a total of 544,439 hours.

It has also been revealed that Budleigh is one of the worst bathing beaches for causing sickness needing medical support.

In Wednesday’s parliamentary debate on sewage, Richard Foord MP argued that Ofwat should be scrapped but where was Budleigh’s and Exmouth’s MP – David Reed?

In this debate, contributions from Lib Dem MPs, who were trying to strengthen proposed regulations, outnumbered their Tory counterparts 3:1. Those nine Tories who did speak didn’t stay to vote.

Whilst four Devon Lib Dem MPs spoke, not one single Devon Tory rose to the occasion. Not even David Reed, fresh from his “On the same page” April 10 meeting could be bothered to promote his constituents’ concern or share whatever progress he has made. 

There is no evidence from the record that David Reed even attended the debate, though he did speak the day before on Birmingham: waste collection.

[Psssst David, isn’t your constituency at the other end of the M5?]

LibDem MPs from Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset also spoke.

Tim Farron (LibDem) opened the debate claiming the Lib Dems were  “the constructive Opposition in this place” holding the Government to account and urging them to make the big changes that Britain voted for last July.

He summarised his impressions in a post on “X”

“Astonishing that so few Tories turned up for the vital debate on sewage pollution just now. Such a shame too that the government opposed the Liberal Democrat proposal to strengthen the regulation of the water industry to prevent this outrageous pollution…”

[The 64 LidDems were supported by Greens, Independents, Plaid Cymru and Reform]

For the record this is what the Devon LibDEm MPs said:

Steve Darling (Torbay) (LD)

Over Easter in Torbay, we had five sewage spills according to the Surfers Against Sewage app. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is extremely disappointing to say the least that, rather than colleagues just getting their cossie and towel to go swimming at their favourite swimming spot, they must now also check the sewage leak app? It is outrageous.

Caroline Voaden (South Devon) (LD)

In South Devon last year, we had an astonishing 49,904 hours of sewage leaks, or 5.69 years-worth of sewage pouring into the glorious Dart and Avon and into the sea around South Devon. Meanwhile, my constituents write to me about bills that have gone up by as much as 50%. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is an outrage that the privatised water companies are able to carry on increasing bills, increasing dividends to shareholders and paying multimillion-pound salaries to CEOs while this obscenity of sewage pouring into our rivers, seas and lakes continues?

Martin Wrigley (Newton Abbot) (LD)

I thank the Secretary of State. I have just been reading about his core reforms, and I note that, as he has said, core reform 3 changes the way in which the season for bathing is determined. However, it continues the principle that water is not tested by the Environment Agency throughout the year. This is an important omission that must be rectified. During a bathing season, the water can become polluted. Will the Secretary of State consider introducing all-year-round testing for our Blue Flag areas?

Richard Foord (Honiton and Sidmouth) (LD)

The hon. Lady has mentioned Ofwat. Last August, it recommended penalties for four water companies amounting to £168 million, but so far it has not collected one penny. Does she agree that Ofwat needs to be scrapped?