Burnham says Thames Water should be nationalised
8 reported
Andy Burnham, Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield byelection, has stated that Thames Water should be nationalised and that public ownership of water companies would “absolutely be an option” under his potential leadership of the Labour party. In an interview with the Guardian, Burnham confirmed this could mean nationalisation, saying, “Public ownership is absolutely an option. I would say for Thames Water, that is what should be done.” The Manchester mayor has been sharpening his offer to the country ahead of a leadership election, should he win on 18 June. The Guardian reports that Burnham has met water campaigners including former Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey, an advocate for nationalisation of water. Burnham also proposed banning bill rises by cancelling dividends of companies that raise bills over a certain level, funding this by “running the industry differently” and preventing excessive profiteering. The government has defended its reluctance to nationalise water, arguing it would cost £100bn to compensate private-sector creditors and shareholders, though experts have disputed this figure.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham said Thames Water should be nationalised and public ownership of water companies is “absolutely an option” under his potential Labour leadership.
Burnham is Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield byelection and has previously called for “greater public control” over water companies.
The Guardian reports Burnham has met water campaigners including Feargal Sharkey, an advocate for nationalisation.
Burnham proposed banning bill rises by cancelling dividends of companies that raise bills over a certain level.
The government has argued nationalising water would cost £100bn to compensate private-sector creditors and shareholders.
Experts have disputed the £100bn figure, arguing ministers would be legally entitled not to compensate creditors at all.
Thames Water is England’s largest water company, serving about a quarter of the population, and is close to collapse with about £20bn of debt.
The government is deciding whether to take Thames Water into special administration or accept a creditor deal that would write off up to £1bn in fines for illegal pollution.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, Labour candidate in Makerfield byelection and Greater Manchester mayor
Feargal Sharkey, former Undertones frontman and water campaigner
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Paul Singer, billionaire Trump donor and hedge funder
Sources: The Guardian
