Water industry public ownership protest held in Kent

Protesters gathered in Leysdown-on-Sea, Kent, to demand the return of the water industry to public ownership. The demonstration follows a petition signed by more than 315,000 people calling for the transition from private to public control.

High-profile attendees included actor Danny Dyer, his daughter Dani Dyer, and singer Becky Hill. Dyer described the water quality as “a disgrace,” while Hill expressed frustration over finding human waste in the sea. Campaigners, including SOS Whitstable co-founder Ed Acteson and GMB activist Cliff Roney, argued that the current private model prioritizes shareholder profit over essential infrastructure maintenance and environmental protection.

In response, Water UK stated that no sewage spill is acceptable and announced a £104bn investment programme intended to halve spills from storm overflows and upgrade wastewater treatment works. Southern Water also noted its commitment to reducing overflows through a 10-year, £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan, which includes the use of AI and nature-based solutions.