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

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.

Ali Abdulla – Workers Party

"We aim to enforce stricter regulations and enhance monitoring systems. We will invest in modernising infrastructure to handle increased wastewater volumes and implement green solutions like wetlands to naturally filter water."

"Collaboration with environmental agencies will drive sustainable practices and significant reductions in pollution levels."

Teddington DRA

"I categorically oppose the scheme: it is environmentally harmful and insufficient for addressing water needs. 

"Instead, I will advocate for sustainable water management practices, investment in infrastructure, and comprehensive policies to ensure long-term environmental protection and resource conservation."

A.Gent Chinners – Monster Raving Loony Party

"All board members and senior managers at Thames Water will have their current homes' water supply disconnected and replaced with a supply from their own processing plant… lets see how they will like it!"

Teddington DRA

"[My stance is] facing forward, knees slightly bent and a forefinger pointing to the lock."

Debojyoti Das – Greens

"I have been part of the Save our Land and River Campaign (SOLAR) in Kingston and Surbiton. We want to nationalise Thames Water and with public consultation introduce a new right to nature act, giving right to nature itself. 

Teddington DRA

"Our stance on the Teddington Direct River Abstraction is very clear. Let's hear local residents' voices on this matter and take further action. 

"We will support the local campaign to stop Thames Water from destroying Hogsmill river and polluting our rivers with sewage dumping."

Ed Davey – Liberal Democrats

"The Liberal Democrats would abolish OfWat and replace it with the Clean Water Authority, helping end the Conservative sewage scandal once and for all. It would give them more powers to properly hold water companies to account. 

"Through a tough new regulator, we will make sure water companies put the environment and their customers first, instead of lining the pockets of their shareholders."

Teddington DRA

"Like many people here, I have been concerned by the Teddington Direct River Abstraction scheme and the impact it could have on the water quality of the Thames. 

"That is why earlier this year I met with Thames Water, along with Munira Wilson and Sarah Olney, to raise not only our concerns, but the concerns of people across our communities who would be impacted if the plan was to move forward."

Helen Edward – Conservatives

"Everyone wants to see clean water including Thames Water. Under Conservative government, river discharge flow monitors were installed on all rivers to give transparency. 

"The Hogsmill financial plan for the next phase includes investment in a larger overflow reserve tank. 

"Thames Tideway Super Sewer under the Thames opens next year and will solve 95% of upstream spills."

Teddington DRA

"Residents rightly have said no to this and consultation continues."

Mark David Fox – Reform

"Remember behind every scheme there is a schemer. This scheme, which uses the capacity of an overworked Mogden sewage works to stop the occasional drought after 2050, is not valid. 

"Thames Water should focus its attention on increasing its sewage works capacity and finding solutions to reduce the average 50 litres per person per day of water that is lost by pipeline leakages in England."

Eunice O'Dame – Labour

"In Kingston, Labour has been proactive in campaigning against sewage discharge in the Hogsmill since July 2022. We've wrote to the CEO of Thames Water and raised the issue, and met with the team at the sewage treatment works in Berrylands to lobby for prioritising updates to the catchment area, making the case that it was particularly vulnerable. 

"We will give water regulators power to block bonuses until water bosses clean up their pollution, prosecuting water bosses who oversee repeated law-breaking."

Teddington DRA

"The lengthy construction period of over three years could have a detrimental effect on the beloved river and its surrounding areas. 

"Thames Water, with its significant resources, should prioritise sustainable solutions and community involvement in accordance with their stated policies, ensuring responsible action to protect the environment while providing essential water services."

Yvonne Tracey – Independent

"The most important waterway in the borough is the Hogsmill which is one of England's rare chalk streams, and unfortunately, Sir Edward Davey's Lib Dems are destroying it with their plans for the Cambridge Road Estate regeneration and combined heat and power scheme. 

"The Lib Dems need to set an example before criticising others."

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

We want to provide Kingston with more and more clickbait-free local news, but we need your support. Please consider signing up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link here.

You can also follow us on Facebook , Instagram, and Twitter to stay updated on the latest news in your area.