Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones has hit back at criticism following a vote on sewage pollution in rivers.

Ms Jones, who was unable to vote on the Bill as she was self isolating with Covid 19, has criticised political opponents for misleading statements on the vote.

“This is an issue I take incredibly seriously.

“I have lost count of the number of meetings I have held on this issue. It has dominated my inbox for the last almost two years.

“As well as being a crucial environmental concern, the current health of our water courses is holding up all planning and development in the Wye and Usk catchments.

“Statements from Liberal Democrats on last week’s vote are nothing short of misleading,” said Ms Jones

“It is revealing that not one Liberal Democrat MP bothered to show up to the debate in the first place – but Brecon and Radnorshire Lib Dems waste no time in leaping to social media to whip up misinformation.

“Water companies are able to discharge sewage into water courses during storms, to prevent waste from flooding into people’s homes as we have a combined foul and waste water system and have done since the Victorian era.

“However, its clear that companies have been using this provision to gross excess in recent years. That’s why we have passed six pages of measures in the Environment Bill reducing the use of storm overflow systems.

“I’ve spoken to Welsh Water and Severn Trent Water many times in recent months. To completely separate our aged plumbing system would cost hundreds of billions of pounds. Welsh Water – a not for profit company – would have no choice but to put that cost back onto consumers.

“It would be an irresponsible Government which signs a blank cheque for taxpayers to later pay. That’s why I wouldn’t have supported the amendment had I been able to vote,” she said

“What is crucial is restoring the health of the rivers. This will not be done by switching off sewage discharge overnight, which cannot be done anyway. We need everyone to row in together.

“That includes water companies, home developers, farmers, highways agencies and consumers. I am glad that the Government is taking the responsible course of action in this essential issue.

“Incremental action maybe frustrating, and I share that frustration to an enormous degree, but political game-playing will not make any improvements whatsoever.”