CONSERVATIVE MP, Bob Seely, rightly states in your recent article (CP online 16-10-22), that Southern Water need to clean up their act.

If only he knew someone that could vote to pass a law, that forces all water companies to clean up their act, or face massive fines. 

That’s the opportunity Seely had when confronted with the option to vote in favour of the Duke of Wellington amendment to the Environment Bill. 

He chose to follow the Tory whip and voted against.

In a much-used phrase, Bob is now gaslighting us claiming he is on our side. He isn’t.

I was in the meeting with Southern Water he mentions and I’m still in contact with them. 

The then chief executive was in favour of the Duke of Wellington amendment as it meant all water companies had to comply. 

He offered solutions for the Isle of Wight that involve building water catchments and help for farmers managing run off and reducing nitrates. 

Bob didn’t ask for any of these things because he simply doesn’t understand the actual problem.

Water companies are allowed to put profits before people, because when given the opportunity, MPs like Bob Seely choose to let them. 

Well done to those that have organised the protests (Bob had no part in organising them), if we continue to hold Southern Water to account, we may affect the change we need. 

Just don’t expect Bob to do it for us.

  • Read more letters sent to the County Press here. Do you have a view on this or any other subject? Send us a letter – under 350 words if possible - to editor@iwcp.co.uk