27 h. ago Reeves hints at priority as she says ‘trading relationship with Europe arguably more important’ than US – UK politics live

Chancellor said she understood the focus on possible deal with US, but added the EU remained ‘our nearest neighbours and trading partners’Water company bosses face up to two years in prison if they cover up illegal sewage spills under new laws coming into force, PA Media reports. PA says:The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said no prison sentences have been handed to water company executives since privatisation despite widespread illegal sewage discharges, and the tougher penalties were essential because some firms have obstructed investigations.Environment secretary Steve Reed said: “Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes. There must be accountability. From today, there will be no more hiding places.”I’m now pretty optimistic that we are moving in a good direction.In the end, I think everybody understands that this is about our security in Europe. It requires cooperation between democracies, friends, allies, countries with the same values.The...

Politics

39 h. ago Polluting water bosses face up to two years in jail for illegal sewage spills

Senior executives will also be banned from accepting bonuses if firms fail to meet Environment Agency’s standards

Events

4 d. ago Shocking state of Britain’s waters revealed as bathing spots with potentially deadly bacteria double

Surge in coastlines, rivers and lakes with unsafe levels of E. coli and intestinal enterococci due to sewage spills

Events

1 week ago ‘I needed heart surgery after swimming in polluted water’: Health warning as sewage spills reach decade

As a result of sewage pollution, 331 people have seen a doctor with chest infections and gastroenteritis and some were hospitalised

Events

3 w. ago Scotland's 'scandal' as sewage spilled into rivers 24,000 times last year

The country’s publicly-owned water firm Scottish Water revealed the data hours before water charges went up for millions of Scots.

Science

4 w. ago Sewage spilled into England’s rivers and seas for 3.6 million hours last year

Labour has called the figure ‘disgraceful’

Politics

4 w. ago Sewage spilled into England’s rivers and seas for 3.6m hours last year

Labour has called the figure ‘disgraceful’

Politics

last month Sewage spilled into England’s rivers and seas for record of 3.6m hours last year

Labour has called the figure ‘disgraceful’

Politics

last month Sewage spilled into England’s waters for more than 3.61m hours last year

Figures from the Environment Agency show a slight reduction in the number of spills from storm overflows, but an increase in their duration.

Politics