Fearing public backlash at the poor state of British rivers, the UK Government and Environment Agency won’t complete a current assessment of our running waters until 2025 – after the next General Election.
The process is supposed to be carried out annually, so critics are viewing it as a cynical move to dodge accountability – and avoid enraging an electorate likely to express their anger at the ballot box next year.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS TO RESCUE UK RIVERS.
Despite only 14% of rivers being classed as being in ‘good’ biological condition and none in ‘satisfactory’ chemical condition, campaigners fear that the authorities are kicking the can down the road.
In fact analysis suggests that things have got worse, rather than better, since 2019.
“Anglers have been to the forefront of the campaign for clean rivers for over 70 years, and we are tired of being fobbed off with excuses, delays and cover ups,” said Angling Trust Head of Campaigns, Stuart Singleton-White.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ANGLING TRUST'S DEMANDS TO DEAL WITH POLLUTION HERE.
“The Government claims it is taking action and talks about its Plan for Water, its Environmental Improvement Plan, and its Storm Overflow Reduction Plan – but these words are meaningless if it won’t reveal just how bad the problem has become.”
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