Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord has hosted a reception in Parliament, bringing together key sewage campaigning organisations to push the Government to do more to tackle sewage pollution.

The event, hosted in conjunction with the End Sewage Pollution coalition - including Surfers Against Sewage - was attended by MPs from a range of political parties.

Mr Foord also hosted prominent Exmouth campaigner Jo Bateman, who is suing South West Water and whose campaign has gained national prominence.

Speaking at the event, Mr Foord stressed that the power to address illegal sewage spills lies squarely with the Government. He said it was their responsibility to ensure the regulators had the resources needed to enforce the law and hold polluting firms to account.

Water Minister Robbie Moore was invited to speak at the reception but pulled out at the last minute. This meant there was no formal representative of the Government at the event.

Tiverton & Honiton MP Richard Foord said: “The ongoing sewage scandal is an issue that affects everyone in our area.

“People across the West Country are rightly angry that their bills are increasing, and dividends for shareholders are increasing, while South West Water continues to pollute our coastline.

“We’ve had enough warm words from the Government. We need to see real action to beef-up our regulators and give them the tools needed to enforce the law.

“It’s disappointing that there was no Minister present at the event to see the strength of feeling from campaigners. It does feel like the Government wishes simply to pass the buck.

“I will continue to hold South West Water to account and fight for independent collection of data around sewage discharges. I will also demand action from the government, who must not wash its hands of its responsibility.”

South West Water have decided not to comment.