Environment secretary says 'sorry' to farmers over tax 'shock' - as noisy protest impacts speech

Environment Sec: Nationalisation would cost £100 billion

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has warned the nationalisation would cost £100 billion and slow down efforts to cut pollution. Mr Reed said it was not the answer, adding: “It would involve years of legal wrangles and during that that time, there would be no investments into upgrading our sewage and water pipes.'' Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Government to abolish Ofwat

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has confirmed that water regulator Ofwat will be abolished as part of an overhaul of a “broken” regulatory system. Mr Reed pledged to strengthen regulation, clean up the country’s rivers and protect the public from soaring water bills. The Environment Secretary said: "A single, powerful regulator responsible for the entire water sector will stand firmly on the side of customers, investors and the environment and prevent the abuses of the past''. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Ofwat "failed everybody", says Environment Secretary

Environment Secretary Steve Reed says the water regulator Ofwat has “clearly failed everybody,” citing record pollution levels and rising bills. Reed said the government is committed to halving sewage discharges into England and Wales’ waterways by 2030. He called for “a revolution in our water sector” and said a report from Sir John Cunliffe will guide urgent regulatory reform. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

‘Promise made, promise delivered’: Govt’s new water rules

The government has announced new regulations that mean six water companies will be banned from paying bonuses to senior bosses. Environment Secretary Steve Reed also spoke about criminal investigations into water companies and private investment into sewage treatment. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn