Government Pledges Action on Thames Pollution

Concerns about sewage pollution in the River Thames have been raised ahead of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, as testing revealed E. coli levels well above safe limits. Environment Secretary Steve Reed pledged to clean up the river, criticizing Thames Water for extensive sewage spills and announcing a review of the water industry led by Sir Jon Cunliffe. Campaign group River Action found that nearly 30% of water samples exceeded safe limits, classifying the water as 'poor' if it were a bathing site. Despite Thames Water's claims of improved water quality, Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave and others have expressed concerns over the health risks to rowers and river users. The government plans significant investments in infrastructure to address these pollution issues. Both environmental campaigners and affected athletes are calling for systematic reform to protect public health and the river environment.