Greens would nationalise Thames and SE Water without paying compensation, says deputy leader – UK politics live
Rachel Millward tells Brighton conference: ‘Forget compensation for shareholders and creditors, these are insolvent companies’ Ali says Britain is a multiracial, multicultural demo
By The Guardian
The Green Party has said it would bring Thames Water and South East Water into public ownership without compensation for shareholders or creditors, according to remarks made by deputy leader Rachel Millward at the party’s conference in Brighton on Saturday.
Millward said the party would act “before Christmas” and described the firms as insolvent companies, arguing there was no need to pay compensation. She also criticised Labour’s approach to water reform, saying it was not enough.
The conference remarks formed part of the Greens’ wider pitch on public ownership and water policy at their autumn gathering in Brighton. The announcement was made as the party used its conference to set out further policy ahead of the months to come.
Millward is the Green Party’s co-deputy leader and also a Wealden district councillor. She used the Brighton speech to say the party wanted water companies brought back into public ownership immediately rather than after a long transition.
The comments come against the backdrop of concern over Thames Water’s financial position. The BBC reported earlier in the week that the company was facing a severe financial crisis and that nationalisation was being considered by the government.
The Green Party conference is taking place in Brighton this weekend, with the party’s leadership using the event to promote what it sees as a more radical alternative on public services and ownership.