The Welsh Liberal Democrats have accused Pembrokeshire’s Conservative MPs of watering down proposals to tackle river pollution as the UK Government sought to push through a weakened version of the environmental act last night (November 7).

Both Simon Heart MP (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire) and Stephen Crabb MP (Preseli Pembrokeshire) voted in favour of an amendment that the opposition and environment campaigners have stated is a cop-out for forcing water companies to tackle water pollution with urgency.

Commenting on the matter, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “Last night the Conservative Government ignored millions of people who demanded action to save our treasured rivers and lakes.

“This is a slap in the face for what has been one of the boldest and more inspiring environmental campaigns in recent years.

“We needed to see legislation with real teeth today which gave water companies hard deadlines and targets. Instead, we have a flimsy new law that won’t be strong enough to hold water companies to account.

“This is yet another betrayal of Pembrokshire by the Conservative Party that has been pushed through despite the visible upset it was causing within the region, especially considering the dire state of the River Teifi and the effect of sewage on numerous beaches after heavy rain including Tenby South and Saundersfoot Beach,” she continued.

“I will continue to demand stronger and more immediate action to get our rivers, lakes and seas cleared up, including levying larger fines against water companies refusing to follow the rules.”