The Liberal Democrats have one of the boldest visions for the environment and the public’s access to it.
They want to explore a ‘right to roam’ for waterways and create a new designation of National Nature Parks.
They want to replace Ofwat with a tough new regulator with new powers to prevent sewage dumps and a ‘blue corridor’ programme for rivers, streams and lakes to ensure clean and healthy water.
Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, has shared his thoughts with us.
“At the start of the General Election, I went paddleboarding for the very first time in Windermere.
“It was joy to be joined by my daughter Gracie and also by my party leader Ed Davey – though as I'm sure you will have seen, he spent more time off the paddleboard than on it!
“It was a bit of fun, but behind it was a serious message.
“Access to nature and to our beautiful waterways is of incredible importance – whether for exercise, socialising or improving our mental health.
“But the number one barrier to people enjoying our lakes and rivers is the scandalous pollution which is taking place.
“Water companies are discharging sewage for hours on end to some of our most precious waterways, including in my part of the world in the Lake District.
“At the same time they are stuffing their shareholder's pockets with millions of pounds in unearned profits.
“It's time for a change. Firstly, we need that money to be going into fixing Britain's sewage system.
“Secondly, we need a new regulator with teeth who will force the water companies to stop
sewage dumping.“And thirdly, we need a wholesale reform of how water companies operate, where the environment is put ahead of profit.
“To do this we would turn water firms into public benefit companies where local environmental groups sit on the boards.
“So much of politics at the moment is negative and downbeat. So I'm proud of the Liberal Democrats putting forward a positive plan so that people and their pets can continue to enjoy our rivers and lakes for generations to come.”
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Labour is ‘committed to expanding access to sport and nature’