With polling day for the 2024 General Election looming ever closer, Nub News is asking local candidates where they stand on key issues in Twickenham.

These articles will be published throughout the week to help keep voters informed before they reach the ballot box on Thursday 4 July.

Today, Tuesday 25 June, we asked the candidates how they are hoping to tackle the dumping of sewage into local rivers by Thames Water, as well as their thoughts on the company's Direct River Abstraction (DRA) scheme at nearby Teddington Lock.

Jonathan Hulley – Conservatives

Thames Water

"I support the measures the Government has taken to reduce stormwater overflows in the new Environment Act 2021, which set ambitious targets to reduce their use and removed the cap on fines for avoidable pollution incidents. 

"The new £ 4.5 billion Tideway Tunnel will reduce the overflows in the lower Thames, but now the focus must be turned on increasing stormwater storage capacity in the upper Thames area."

Teddington DRA

"I firmly oppose it - I want resident groups and the next MP for Twickenham to sit around a table to help shape a solution. This includes exploring alternative schemes in other parts of the country that, whilst more expensive, have a longer-term benefit, such as new reservoirs."

Alexander Starling – Reform

Thames Water

"By joining all locals – and the nation as a whole – in making a lot of noise about it! A key approach will be to put Ofwat under more scrutiny and ensure that it is not being lobbied by vested interests. 

"Foreign investment in the UK is very welcome, but that does not give any owner a licence to misbehave."

Teddington DRA

"I personally believe that water companies tend to favour 'higher spend' big capital projects, as they can then blame NIMBY pushback when investment does not proceed. As it currently stands, the TDRA scheme seems to fall into this category.

"Specifically, I would insist on Thames Water publicising its workings for the TDRA scheme and push back on the S35 order such that due process can be followed in a transparent manner."

Munira Wilson – Liberal Democrats

Thames Water

"I've voted countless times in Parliament to hold water companies to account for illegal sewage dumping and axe exorbitant bonuses for water company bosses. 

"We also need to scrap Ofwat and replace it with a new water regulator that has real teeth, and reform water companies into public benefit companies with environmentalists on their boards."

Teddington DRA

"Since these outrageous proposals were announced, I've worked with local river groups and environmental groups to challenge the DRA at the highest levels – including meeting with the new CEO of Thames Water and with Ministers to demand they scrap the proposals once and for all."

Tomorrow, Wednesday 26 June, candidates will share their thoughts on housing shortages and the cost-of-living crisis in Twickenham constituency.

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