Dirty Business shows why private companies cannot be trusted with vital services like water

The Channel 4 drama Dirty Business lays out for all to see the disgraceful state of our waterways, courtesy of the privately run water companies. The drama charts the struggle of two men, Peter Hammond and Ashley Smith, to expose what has gone on with releases of sewage into the River Windrush, Witney, Oxfordshire. Hammond and Smith are backed by a growing campaign of angry people. Another strand of the drama, sees 8-year old Heather Preen contract E-coli, as a result of playing on a Devon beach. She dies shortly afterwards in hospital. A tragedy, that later results in her father committing suicide. The ridiculous situation whereby private companies have been allowed to rip off the tax payer to make profit is made crystal clear (unlike the water). The drama exposes how virtually unregulated operation of the waterways has caused such damage. Water was privatised, in the 1980s, on the basis that private money would be brought in, so that the utility could run better. In reality it became a licence to print money. The companies totally neglected the decaying infrastructure. Leaks were not fixed and reservoirs not built, whilst sewage was pumped into the rivers and sea. Meanwhile, shareholders reaped big dividends and debt piled up. Regulation was supposed to be a safeguard, yet the Environment Agency (EA) has proved totally inept at enforcing regulation. Under resourced, they resorted to letting the water companies monitor themselves. This is brilliantly summed up in the drama, when an EA employee, referring to the water companies, says: "So what your saying is regulate yourselves and let us know if you've committed any crimes." There has been some tightening of control of the water companies by the present government (they have committed to stop "operator self-monitoring") but nowhere near enough. The whole sector needs to be taken back into public ownership, then run on a not for profit basis. This can be done in a number of ways, such as taking the companies, like Thames, into special administration. At present, more bail outs seem on the cards. One important development highlighted in Dirty Business is the growth of campaign groups seeking to hold these companies to account. The Windrush Against Sewage Pollution campaign is the focus. But there are many others, like Surfers Against Sewage. In east London, there is the River Roding Trust, which is doing fantastic work, improving the river with a growing army of volunteers, as well as holding Thames Water and the EA to account over maintenance of the river. These grassroots groups are growing all over the country, demanding democratic accountability. And it is much needed. More widely, the reckless way the infrastructure generally has been handed out to the private sector to asset strip and run down is clear across the country. We have a creaking infrastructure from waterways to roads, bridges and rail networks. There is much that needs to be done to put the situation right. Tough, enforced regulation is a start, followed by taking the facilities back into public ownership, when failing.This ofcourse all needs resourcing. The present generation is reaping what was sown over the past 40 years of neo-liberalism, now is the time to start putting things right, starting with taking water back into public ownership. Dirty Business is available on C4 catch up

Pity those wanna-be Labour councillors come the May elections...but all may not be lost

Labour Party councillors going into the May local elections must feel like they are between a rock and a hard place. The woes of the national party and particularly the leadership are hitting electoral prospects hard. Many candidates are seeking to just campaign on the local issues, trying to shut out the soap opera going on at national level. Increasingly, members are campaigning inspite of rather than for the Labour Party. Prospective councillors are dropping out, causing selection panels to be reopened. It is a sorry state of affairs. The prospects certainly don't look good. Many competent Labour Councils face threats from Reform on the right and the Greens on the Left. There is a feeling that the party leadership have become so obsessed about Reform that they have virtually forgotten about the Greens. Yet, the re-energised Greens, under Zach Polanski's leadership, have not only occupied the traditional left policy position of the Labour Party but also absorbed thousands of disillusioned Labour Party members. Some of these members will now be knocking on doors to get Green, not Labour, candidates elected. There result of the Gorton & Denton by-election could be an early indicator of things to come. The Greens are still rising, whilst Reform may have reached their peak and be in decline. The jibe that the party is a care home for former Tory MPs is cutting through. It is a line that does not chime well with Nigel Farage's claim that Reform are new and different from the mainstream parties. Also, the haphazard performance of Reform, where they are actually in charge of local services, such as in Kent, is another warning sign for voters. So, what can Labour candidates do? Campaign on their local record, when in power, and on opponents ineptitude when seeking office. Also, promises of a better deal for local government under Labour. This should go some way to holding seats. In terms of countering the specific threat of the Greens, there would need to be an emphasis on Labour's record of achievement in office locally - where that is the case. Also, maybe some examples of where the Greens in power in local government has not worked so well. Proven governance versus untried newbies. This argument can ofcourse also be deployed against Reform. But also just have a greater confidence in Labour's record. One of the problems of the government has been a failure to communicate the good stuff they are doing (something that Labour list has tried to counter.). An almost universally hostile media has not helped. So, if Labour communicated more of what it has done and has been doing at local level, effectively, this could help win votes. So a greater confidence all round on what Labour is doing rather than an over obsession about what other parties are doing or saying could also reap dividends. The head winds from the national shenanigans, cannot be easily deflected. Keir Starmer is not a vote winner, yet if he were to go, then another election contest for the leadership - running parallel to the local elections - wouldn't play well either. So, Labour really are in a difficult place when it comes to these elections. Heavy losses look likely, even where Labour has a good record in local governance. A bleak picture but a time also to take stock, re-order the party from top to bottom and look to the future elections as a time when ground can be taken back. This will also mean focusing more on where the party is losing ground on the Left to the likes of the Greens and Liberal Democrats. Aping Reform is another factor contributing to the party's present malaise. So much to reflect on, post May. But for the moment it is a case of hope for the best but expect the worst. All is not lost.

I'm Sorry Prime Minister

Apollo theatre Perfect timing for this latest manifestation of the Yes Minister/Prime Minister genre. The hit political series of the 1980s written by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay takes another turn as former sparring partners Prime Minister Jim Hacker and Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby reunite in retirement. Written by Lynn (Jay died in 2016) I'm Sorry Prime Minister retains all the zip and wit of the original. Griff Rhys Jones (Hacker) and Clive Francis (Sir Humphrey) brilliantly recreate the wrankerous relationship the two had in office. The reason for the reunion is the imminent sacking of Hacker as rector of an Oxford College, due to his outdated and politically incorrect remarks. The two old combatants need each others help. A new character Sophie (Stephanie Levi-John) makes up the trio, as Hacker's care worker. Former Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley (played originally by Derek Fowlds) has died three years previously, something Hacker has forgotten. The creation of the Sophie character is ingenious,as she becomes the central pivot that the others bounce off. She also represents the polar opposite of the ageing politician and civil servant, epitomising the problems of an unrewarded graduate, wise beyond her years. Yet, more fulfilled than the two old men. The quick fire dialogue retains all the resonance of the original, as the two old warriors spar, whilst Sophie delivers 21st century reality checks. Lynn's script covers much contemporary ground from the challenges of ageing to Brexit, cancel culture, culture wars and injustice. It would be interesting to know what the watching Michael Gove made of the content on press night. There is though an attempt to address the challenges of old age. Looking back to how things used to be, as ones contemporaries die off. In addition to Woolley, the two men's wives have also departed. The uniting theme: everyone needs someone. The new play, which transferred from the Barn in Cirencester, certainly stays true to the original creation. Excellent performances from Rhys Jones, Francis and Levi-John do justice to the original cast, which is no mean feat, given their iconic nature. William Chubb, as Sir David, plays a nice cameo role. The ingenious nature of the script is it's ability to link to the original yet also move the story on and make it relevant to the present day. Lynn and co- director Michael Gyngell ensure a lovely pace to proceedings. The one reservation would be how appealing the play will be to those coming fresh to the story. Those who did not live through the original 80s series with Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Fowlds or have not seen the repeats. Will they have the same appreciation? Though, I'm Sorry Prime Minister touches on so many contemporaneous themes that it may not matter. For those new to the subject, the desire to watch the originals in a back to the future moment is likely to grow. A very enjoyable play that really does do justice to the original, whilst having an originality of it's own, moving forward. Highly recommended. Runs till 9 May

Redbridge council's declaration of a nature emergency is a welcome step forward but the test will come with resourcing and implementation

A nature emergency has now been called in Redbridge. At the last council meeting, I presented Wanstead Climate Action's 1,725 signature petition calling on the council to declare a nature emergency. A Labour Party motion was then passed, committing to take measures to address the emergency. The decline in biodiversity has seen 19% of wildlife lost since 1970 and one in six species threatened with extinction. The petition, debate and final passing of the motion, was certainly a step forward. The proof will now come in the process and resourcing committed to attain that goal. When the climate emergency was passed in 2019, a corporate panel was established, which took evidence and came up with recommendations for implementation. A plan emerged, climate was at last on the agenda in Redbridge. On biodiversity, things moved more slowly. There was a Nature and Environment Task & Finish Group that similarly took evidence and came up with recommendations. Progress has been made on some of these, like tree planting and grow zones, but on others areas very little. A green urban policy was also adopted. Conservation officer, Francis Castro was a great help in drawing up this report but he left in 2023. There is a concern with the latest emergency motion that proper process and resourcing is provided in order that the stated goals can be attained. Otherwise, the motion just becomes a list of vague aspirations. Volunteers have done much over the years to address biodiversity and climate challenges in the borough: adopting tree pits, pollinator pathways, tree planting and litter picking. This has driven things forward. But it cannot all be about volunteer labour. The demand going forward is that a plan to address the nature emergency is established and resourced. A proper plan will be bench marked, setting specific targets like recovering 30% of council land for nature by 2030 and getting 30% rather than 20% biodiversity net gain in large new developments. New developments should have a minimum of 30% tree cover, with an increase on existing estates where tree cover is low. Moves for more wetlands in the borough need to progress. The long overdue Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation review must be done as a matter of urgency, then enacted. (This was a recommendation of the Nature and Environment report) So, a promising start has been made but the proof will come in delivery. Otherwise some may think this is all a bit of green washing ahead of the council elections in May. This is surely not the case, something that residents will be able to test when party manifestos are published and wanna-be councillors come knocking on their doors over the next three months. The present momentum must continue into the new council elected in May, which should have the basis of a blueprint and funding sources identified to take an ambitious plan for nature forward.

Everyone must take responsibility for waste generation

The growing levels of rubbish created by our society should be a cause for concern. At times it can seem like we are drowning in a sea of human made waste. The land, the seas nothing, it seems, is off limits. Along the south coast recently the sea was polluted with millions of plastic sewage buds, leaked from a Southern Water wastewater plant in Eastbourne. The clean up goes on, much of it done by a volunteer army of concerned citizens. The damage to human and wildlife has yet to be finally assessed. On land, there are increasing instances of flying tipping. This can be small amounts of rubbish or huge dumps, involving vehicles and industrial sized operations. The clear up takes time and can run into the millions of pounds. Local councils are often left to deal with these situations, pursuing the perpetrators and ensuring clear up. At local level it is amazing to behold the amount of rubbish generated. We have run a volunteer councillor led litter pick, once a month, in central Wanstead, for the past eight years. Many bags are filled every time, with all sorts of waste. These bags are added to the many collected by council street cleaners. You may have seen them awaiting collection on the high street. There are other litter picks conducted by Friends of Wanstead Park in and around the park. The work sessions done by the River Roding Trust see literally tonnes of rubbish pulled out of the river. Why do people think it is ok to choke up our waterways in this way? There have also been positive changes made to the collection of rubbish in Redbridge. The roll out of wheelie bins across the borough, then more recently food waste collection. Recycling levels are increasing. But though much is going on to address the problem of disposal, there does also need to be a fundamental change in everyone's attitude towards the creation of waste in the first place. So, we all need to live in a far more sustainable way, that involves treading much more lightly on the earth. Everyone needs to be more aware and create less waste. This is in addition to dealing responsibly with the rubbish we do create. It is amazing to see the amount of rubbish created by one household. Can this not be reduced? Yes, recycle, put everything in the right containers but fundamentally stop creating the waste in the first place. The illegal dumping of rubbish has to stop. Councils across the land seek to prosecute people who act in this irresponsible way. There is much being done but far more is needed to address the waste mountains being created. Everyone has to take responsibility, not just for the clear up but for creating so much waste in the first place. The earth is a finite resource, humankind cannot just continue consuming and dumping in this nihilistic way. The earth is choking. We all need to change the way in which we live, tread more lightly on the earth and live more sustainably for the common good of all. * Next Wanstead litter pick - 10 am on 21 Feb at Woodbine Place. Friends of Wanstead Park litter picks - 11am on second Sunday of the month - meet at the Temple Report fly tips via Redbridge council website - www.redbridge.gov.uk

Anthony Hopkins facing up to his demons

We did ok, kid by Anthony Hopkins Published by Simon & Schuster UK £25 World renown actor Anthony Hopkins has produced a fascinating account of his journey through life, battling his demons along the way. A real rags to riches tale. The story begins in humble surroundings of life in post war South Wales. He withdraws into himself at school, adopting a default position of "dumb insolence." This continues for much of his life. The angry young man stance begins at school, continuing through national service, where he gets into many fights. He reads profusely and finds he has a real talent for acting. He has good fortune along the way, guided and helped by the likes of Laurence Olivier. What makes the book such an engaging read is Hopkins brutal honesty, looking back. Something, he ironically rather abhors, having a mantra that is about always moving forward, looking for the next thing. His failure to deal with his problems is regularly satisfied by drinking. He becomes an alcoholic, being warned in the early 1970s by a doctor that he will kill himself if he continues. The young Hopkins sees what the drink has done to fellow actors like Richard Burton and stops. Despite being in something of a mental health malaise, his acting career continues to soar, with films like Silence of the Lambs, the Elephant Man, Nixon, the Edge and the Father all being big hits. Hopkins cannot understand why Oliver Stone wants him to play Nixon, surely it should be an American for the role, he argues. But Stone says: "you are nuts like Nixon," so can captivate the essence of the man - which he did, so brilliantly. There are interesting insights on the acting profession. On the old debate of theatre versus film or TV, he explains simply how theatre can become wearing, having to do the same performance night after night for weeks on end. Film involves just one or two takes and move on. There are important acting skills for both genres. Another insight is on playing King Lear, that he believes can only be fully achieved when older. He compares his effort in 1986, aged 48, with his later much more accomplished, understanding performance at 79. Not someone to court the limelight, it is easy to forget what a great actor Anthony Hopkins is, the films and plays in which he has starred over the years. This element of undersell is important part of the book, with Hopkins having a most endearing, self deprecating style. His second and particularly third wives Jennifer Lynton and Stella Arroyave played important roles in helping him find his way. In some ways they saved him. Lynton helped get him through alcoholism while Arroyave helped him recognise himself. She points out when the couple are watching Martin Clunes playing Doc Marten that that is Hopkins. His first marriage to Petronella Barker was a disaster, resulting in two years of fighting and a daughter, from whom he remains estranged. Anthony Hopkins has produced an honest, engaging account of his journey through life. The insights into his glittering acting career are fascinating but the strength of the book is in tapping into the battles we all have to get through and make sense of life. It is Hopkins openness about this element of his struggle that makes this book so compelling.

Poverty has been normalised in the UK

Walking the streets of London, it is impossible not to be struck by the number of homeless people. Groups around train stations, in doorways, under bridges. People walking past, some engaging, maybe giving money. The whole thing seems like a scene from Dickensian England, yet the situation seems to have been normalised. Not seen for what it is, which is an affront to a so called civilised society. There are teams if people from local authorities and charities, who seek to intervene to help those forced to live this way. But fundamentally, there is something wrong in such a rich society (fifth largest economy in the world) that so many are forced to live in this way. Homelessness has been normalised in the same way as food banks. Neither should have a place in a society that boasts over 150 billionaires and countless others doing very nicely thank you. Many no doubt stepping over the homeless in their path. These problems can be addressed. At the time of the COVID pandemic people were taken off the street and housed. When the pandemic passed they were shoved back onto the street. Thousands of properties across the UK remain empty. If the political will were there, then poverty in it's many forms could be addressed. At present a vague charitable response seems to be acceptable to most people. So they may give to homelessness charities or put some cans in the food bank container at the supermarket. Something that always strikes me as the height of irony, given the billions made in profit by those same supermarkets. Not that these actions are not good and virtuous but are they also the price that people are willing to pay in order to put up with homelessness and millions going to food banks in such a rich society Why not over the coming year really address the causes of poverty? Set an ambitious goal of providing a roof over everyone's head, a universal basic income and food to eat, without the need to resort to charity? Yes, it will cost money. It will likely mean higher taxes but why is that a bad thing? Why is welfare in its limited sense attacked when aimed at the poor? The welfare received by the rich in terms of low tax provision for their expensive and often damaging lifestyles don't seem to attract the same opprobrium. There needs to be a levelling of society. The gross inequalities that exist at present are what cause many of the problems, not least poverty. The Labour Government has started to address inequality by upping the minimum wage, removing the two child benefit cap and increasing some taxes. But these are tiny steps More is needed, with a reshaping of the economy based on the common good, not always the bottom line. Only then will we start function better as a civilised and grown up society.