Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, has just launched the biggest review of England’s water industry since it was sold off to private companies. But when the Commissioners launched their public consultation to a room packed with journalists, on 27 February, they had to admit that they aren’t allowed to look at public ownership.

The idea that public ownership will not even be considered is mad.

• Our water bills keep going up – and the private water companies want to raise them more
• Our rivers and seas filled to the brim with sewage
• Access to water often cut off for millions of people – because private firms have not invested in pipes and infrastructure
• The private firms have not built one single new reservoir since privatisation
• Yet, they’ve taken out nearly £80 billion in dividends and loaded up those companies with around £60 billion in debt.

Not considering public ownership as a solution to this crisis is negligence of the highest order — and you can let Steve Reed know that with this petition.

You may also remember that when the High Court recently signed off plans for Thames Water’s £3 BILLION debt deal the judge expressed concern at the absence of any intervention by the government or the water regulator Ofwat.  Instead, executive directors, appointed by creditors and with the silent blessing of government ministers, have driven this deal through.

There hasn’t been a moment of consultation with the workers, bill payers, or environmental interests that make the company run.

Outstanding campaign group ‘ We Own It’ have a plan to change that.

Outside the latest hearing on the deal, they will launch the Thames Water Emergency Board, an alternative version of who should make decisions at Thames Water: and ALL public services. They will be joined by trade unions, anti-sewage groups, local politicians and bill payer champions who will take over part of the pavement with an actual boardroom table, sitting the union, campaigner and political representatives around the sides.

Because it’s you the Thames Water Board should serve, it’s you the board must be accountable to. And that’s what We Own It plan to show.

Join the Launch of the Thames Water Emergency Board outside the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand on Tuesday 11 March at 11a.m.