In a striking demonstration against water pollution, renowned naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham condemned the UK Government’s failure to address climate change and environmental concerns in its recent Budget. Speaking at the March for Clean Water in London, Packham described the situation as “scary,” especially considering the deteriorating condition of the UK’s lakes, rivers, and seas.
The march drew an estimated 15,000 participants from various environmental organizations, including River Action, Greenpeace, the Wildlife Trusts, and British Rowing. Gathered at Albert Embankment, the protesters marched along the River Thames, culminating in a rally at Parliament Square, where they demanded more robust measures to protect the UK’s waterways.
Addressing the crowd, Packham criticized Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves for her Budget presentation, which he noted failed to mention “climate or nature” even once, despite significant global environmental crises. “Rachel Reeves gave a Budget in 2024 while Valencia was being flooded and people were losing their lives,” he said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “Now that’s scary.”
Pointing towards Parliament, he acknowledged the intent of many MPs and ministers to act but highlighted the need for adequate resources and financial support. “They need to be given access to the resources, and part of that is finance,” Packham stated. While he recognized the good-natured spirit of the march, he insisted that urgency is paramount, labeling the current state of water bodies in the UK as an “absolute crisis.”
Expressing his frustration, Packham stated, “Now we find ourselves in a ghastly mess where our rivers are in a parlous state – among the worst in Europe.” He urged the government to act swiftly using existing technology to resolve these pressing issues.
The event also saw participation from environmental activist and singer Feargal Sharkey, along with chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Together, they called for a comprehensive review of the regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency. They urged stricter enforcement of laws on water pollution and insisted that all industries contributing to pollution invest in infrastructure improvements, reduce water wastage, and aid in habitat restoration.
Demonstrators, dressed in blue and waving flags, created what was described as a “mass human river.” They raised sculptures of marine and freshwater animals like whales and jellyfish, while others carried signs reading “Stop the plop,” “Species not faeces,” and “Cut the crap.” Chants such as “Private water’s full of crap, take our water back!” resonated throughout the crowd.
Olympic rower Imogen Grant, who has witnessed the decline of UK rivers during her career, voiced her concerns at the rally. “Our rivers are in a terrible state,” she lamented, recounting her training experiences marred by pollution. Grant, who fell ill due to contaminated waters, emphasized the need for immediate change, stating, “It’s really scary.” The march concluded with a unified call for urgent action to safeguard the UK’s precious water resources and restore its natural ecosystems.
