Rachel Millward, deputy leader of the Green Party, has called for the immediate nationalisation of South East Water and Thames Water without compensation for shareholders. Speaking at the Green Party conference, Millward stated that the current 10-year plan for water companies is inadequate and that too many have failed. She cited the example of Sussex, where residents often have to buy bottled water due to lack of supply.
Millward announced the Green Party's intention to take both companies back into public ownership before Christmas, at no cost to taxpayers. She emphasised that the tools to do so are available and that shareholders and creditors should not receive compensation. Millward highlighted the concerning trend of sewage being dumped into rivers by private companies and lamented that water has been sold to profit-driven entities.
The Green Party's proposal for nationalisation is part of a broader push for change in the UK's approach to public services and democracy. Millward's speech at the conference focused on the need for immediate action on water companies. The party is positioning itself as a compelling alternative for progressive voters, particularly as Labour's leadership faces scrutiny.
Mothin Ali, another deputy leader of the Green Party, also addressed critical issues at the conference. He stressed the importance of celebrating and protecting Britain's multicultural fabric and urged the government to recognise rising racist violence. Ali called for a national emergency response to address the issue and reiterated the party's commitment to ensuring everyone's right to belong in the UK.
Ali also proposed a "youth jobs guarantee" to combat high unemployment rates among young people. He stated that current strategies fall short and require significant improvement. According to Ali, one million young people are classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training). The Green Party's focus on youth employment is part of its effort to address pressing social issues.
The Green Party's conference comes as the Conservative Party conference is set to begin. The Tory conference is expected to focus on addressing concerns about energy and housing affordability amid the cost-of-living crisis. Leader Kemi Badenoch is likely to announce significant measures, including funding for new prison places funded by cuts to the overseas aid budget.
The Green Party's push for immediate action on water companies and youth employment encapsulates its drive for change in the UK's approach to public services and democracy. The party's proposals have been made in response to concerns about the failure of private water companies and the need for a more effective approach to addressing social issues.
Key points
- Green Party proposes nationalisation of Thames and SE Water without compensation
- Party also calls for a "youth jobs guarantee" to combat high unemployment rates among young people
- Proposals are part of a broader push for change in the UK's approach to public services and democracy
