Downing Street to oppose raw sewage amendment in stand-off with Lords

Government to retain resistance to tougher action against water companies despite backlash

Plans to take tougher action against water companies for pumping sewage into rivers and the sea will once again be opposed by the government tonight, Downing Street has announced.

The prime minister's spokesperson confirmed the government would retain its resistance to adopting an amendment to the environment bill tabled by the Duke of Wellington, which was passed by the Lords earlier this month but subsequently rejected by the Commons.