MPs take in London sewers as part of Thames Tideway visit

Two MPs got the chance to explore Sir Joseph Bazalgette’s famous London sewer system as part of their Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) Fellowships examining the UK’s major new waste and construction projects.

Dr John Pugh, MP for Southport, and Amanda Solloway, MP for Derby North began their visit with a briefing on the Thames Tideway Tunnel, which outlined the importance of the 16-mile tunnel that will stretch from Acton in West London to Abbey Mills in East London.

Following the briefing, it was time for the MPs to don some protective suits and take a tour of the Fleet Sewer.

The MPs then took an educational boat ride with Tideway on a Clipper boat down the river to Westminster. Along the journey, they saw the Tideway construction projects currently being undertaken along the banks of the river near Embankment.

They also got the chance to speak to Geoff Loader, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Tideway, about the importance of investment into infrastructure projects.

Mr Loader commented: ““It was a great pleasure to show both John and Amanda the vital construction work we’re doing at Tideway. They were both very engaged throughout the day and eager to learn as much as possible about what we’re doing to deliver a cleaner River Thames and a crucial piece of infrastructure for London for generations to come.”

This was the final visit of Dr John Pugh’s Industry and Parliament Trust Fellowship into waste management and the first visit of Amanda Solloway MP’s Fellowship examining the construction sector.

The IPT is a registered charity which promotes mutual understanding between Parliament, business, industry and commerce for the public benefit.

Mr Pugh said: “Today I learnt a great deal about waste management systems in the UK and the importance of investment in our infrastructure. The Thames Tideway Tunnel is an essential construction project to ensure London’s sewer system is operating effectively and in an environmentally friendly way. It was a great visit to complete my Fellowship.”

Amanda Solloway echoed Mr Pugh’s comments. She said: “This major infrastructure project will ensure the UK meets European environmental standards and it was fascinating to see the Fleet Sewer in person. I look forward to further visits examining the subject of construction in the United Kingdom.”

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