Starmer criticises government’s ‘flimsy’ plan over water pollution in England

Labour leader accuses ministers of turning rivers into open sewers' after Therese Coffey says firms will face tougher penalties

Labour has dismissed government plans that could see water companies in England facing tougher fines and penalties as part of efforts to tackle pollution.

The environment secretary, Therese Coffey, is expected to set out plans next week that ministers believe will make polluters pay", with fines levied on water companies put into a water restoration fund".