Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has committed to tackling London’s river pollution in the next ten years.
The Mayor was joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP at the Thames Tideway Tunnel today (18th September), where he discussed his goal to reduce water pollution.
The tunnel, which will become fully operational in 2025, is promised to protect the rivers from sewage pollution.
Khan stressed the importance of working with various partners including companies, government agencies, charities and campaigners to clean up the Thames and other rivers.
He said: “I’m determined to bring together communities and partners to achieve this, working hand-in-hand with the new Government.
“I know that together we can make our rivers something that every Londoner can be proud of as we continue to build a greener, fairer London for everyone.”
Khan hoped this strategy would aid the re-building of ecosystems, helping species currently in decline.
He said the project would play a crucial role in improving water quality across the capital.
London’s rivers have been neglected and damaged by pollution for too long.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) September 18, 2024
That’s why we’re bringing partners together to clean up the capital’s rivers. I visited the Thames Tideway project with Secretary of State @SteveReedMP. pic.twitter.com/abVE6691Lt
Reed said the government was keen to address critical issues related to water management, pollution and infrastructure through legislation.
He stated: “This Government will not tolerate water companies illegally pumping sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas and I applaud the Mayor of London for his work in bringing the issue of water pollution to the fore in the capital.”
“As an immediate step, the Water (Special Measures) Bill will give regulators new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against persistent law breakers.”
The Mayor partnered with the World Wildlife Foundation UK (WWF UK) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to sign a commitment to work with him in aiding London’s biodiversity and use of a nature-first approach.
CEO of ZSL Matthew Gould said: “ZSL is delighted to be working with The Mayor of London to clean London’s rivers.
“We want to see them safe for both people and wildlife.
“The Thames was once declared biologically dead, now it is a home for a host of British species.”
Lucy Siegle, WWF Ambassador, supported Khan’s plans also supported Khan’s plans.
Siegle said: “London rivers are the arteries of our city.
“They hold much of our wildlife and are the backbone of our ecosystem.”
The project marked a key moment in London’s fight against climate change, aiming to create a sustainable environment where nature and human life can co-exist harmoniously.
Today the Mayor also announced a new Outdoor Swimming Guide to help Londoners find out where they can currently swim outdoors and highlight where it might be possible in the future. pic.twitter.com/HpTyuELpO2
— Mayor's Press Office (@LDN_pressoffice) September 18, 2024
As part of the scheme, the mayor has also announced a new Outdoor Swimming Guide for Londoners.
This map marked out safe spaces to swim outdoors and highlighted possible future landmarks.
Alice Dearing, Team GB Olympian and founder of Black Swimming Association, said: “It is so exciting that the Mayor of London is striving to create more accessible and clean waterways as open water swimming continues to gain popularity.”
