February News: Thames Water Bailout Sparks National Outcry

This month, news broke that Thames Water has been granted a staggering £3 billion bailout - a move that’s been met with outrage from river advocates, communities, and environmental groups across the Thames catchment.

To put it plainly: this is public money going to prop up a company with over £19-22 billion in debt. Shockingly, 33p of every £1 Thames Water customers pay goes toward servicing that debt - not toward fixing leaks, cleaning up pollution, or protecting the river.

When Thames Water was privatised, it had zero debt. Since then, it’s paid out £15.4 billion to creditors, according to Professor Ewan McGaughey. Meanwhile, pollution continues, infrastructure crumbles, and our river suffers.

Photo credit: Alex Robertson

FoTT Takes Action

Members of Friends of the Thames have taken this fight straight to the Royal Courts of Justice, making it clear to Judge Leech that this cannot stand. It’s wrong to expect bill payers to clean up the mess caused by years of financial mismanagement and environmental neglect.

We believe it's time for change. That’s why we're calling for Thames Water to be placed into special administration - to be run for the public and for nature, not for profit.

What You Can Do

With the backing of Charlie Maynard MP, this case will move to appeal on four ground - one of which is strong public interest. That means your voice matters.

Here’s how you can help:

• Sign the petition by We Own It, calling for public ownership of Thames Water.

• Email your MP - let them know what’s happening in your patch of the Thames catchment. Share your concerns. Ask for action.

• Spread the word - talk to friends, neighbours, your local councillors. The more noise we make, the harder it is to ignore.

Did you know?Over 80% of Britons support public ownership of our water. Together, we can push for a system that protects our environment, values transparency, and puts people and planet first.

Let’s restore the Thames. Let’s take back our water.

Thank you for being part of this growing movement.