(Alliance News) - Rishi Sunak has denied reports that his government is backing away from plans to hit water companies with fines of up to GBP250 million for dumping sewage into rivers and seas. The prime minister said he welcomed "tougher fines" for water companies and insisted that is what is being put in place. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/water-firms-could-escape-higher-fines-for-pollution-as-ministers-row-back-on-tougher-penalties-8bgrr652nThe paper reported Environment Secretary Therese Coffey is backing away from the plans for fines of up to GBP250 million. Sunak, while speaking to broadcasters on a visit to a rapid cancer diagnosis centre in Oldham, was asked about the report and if the government is prepared to water down fines for water companies that spill sewage. I want to actually would welcome tougher fines for water companies and that is what we are putting in place.

Source: The Times February 13, 2023 18:23 UTC