In a speech in Westminster yesterday (Monday 14th September), Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley, called for the water sector to be brought back into public ownership, saying years of sewage pollution, underinvestment and service failures have left public confidence in the industry at an all-time low.
MP highlights local impact of sewage spills and water outage
Richard used the debate to highlight the experience of Islanders, who have too often been unable to enjoy the sea because of sewage spills.
He also referenced the major water outage on the weekend of 5th-6th September 2026, which left many homes without supply and further fuelled public anger at a system that many feel is no longer delivering for customers or the environment.
Quigley disputes water companies’ nationalisation cost estimates
Richard also used the opportunity to challenge the figures often cited by water companies when faced with calls for nationalisation,
“We hear figures, from these companies that see our basic utilities as huge pound signs, suggesting that public ownership would cost £100 billion and put workers or pension funds at risk.
“Yet evidence from the People’s Commission suggests that public ownership could deliver a much fairer and more sustainable system than the one we have today – not that this would be too difficult considering the dire situation we find ourselves in.”
Report highlights billions paid to shareholders since privatisation
A report published by the People’s Commission in 2025 found that bringing the water sector into public ownership would be cheaper than maintaining the current system.
The report also highlighted that water companies paid an estimated £85.2 billion to shareholders between 1989 and 2024, adjusted for inflation, raising further questions about whether the sector is delivering value for customers and the environment.
Concluding the debate Richard said,
“That is why we need to stop placing private equity on a pedestal. Water is not a luxury. It is an essential public service.
“My preference will always be public control, especially when private companies have blown their chance, measured on performance, investment and public trust, and have resorted to fear stories about the alternatives.
“Our promise of hope in every heart and growth in every postcode will not feel real or achievable if people cannot do something as basic as trusting the water that comes out of their tap or safely swimming in the seas that surround them.”
MP vows to continue campaigning for public ownership
Richard vowed to keep pressing for public ownership of the water sector, building on discussions with campaign groups and campaigners such as Fergal Sharkey.
He argued that Islanders deserve a water system focused on delivering clean waterways, dependable services and long-term investment, rather than prioritising private profit.
See the People’s Commission on Water Sector website for more information.
News shared by the office of Richard Quigley MP. Ed
