We call on Andy Burnham to stand up for the 16 million people who have no choice but to use Thames Water, a company which has poured sewage into our rivers and extracted £12.9 billion for faraway shareholders since privatisation in 1989. Last year, Thames Water increased households’ bills by an average of 40%.

Thames Water’s creditors now want to set their own rules on pollution. Signing this off would set a dangerous new precedent for illegal sewage dumping across England.

Thames Water went BUST nearly two years ago so its shareholders do not need compensation.

The creditors (a group of US hedge funds) were expecting a haircut of at least 40% two years ago, under the Conservative government. The situation has dramatically worsened since then. We can write off significantly more.

Thames Water’s creditors are currently negotiating with Ofwat to take over the utility. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds has objected to the terms of the creditors’ proposal, as it does protect the interests of households.

Without the creditors’ offer, it is increasingly likely that Thames Water will run out of money and fall into special administration. From there, this government must bring it into permanent public ownership.

Under public ownership, money can be directed away from the pockets of shareholders and towards investment in crumbling infrastructure, and lowering bills. Households, environmental groups and workers will be able to make decisions about how the utility is run, as part of the Board.