38 DEGREES AGAIN AND IT IS ALL TO DO WITH SEWAGE DISCHARGES

 ​

	​
Dear John,  In 2020, raw sewage - dumped by water companies more than 400,000 times - stopped people swimming in the sea and polluted every river in England. [1] Water companies say it helps prevent flooding when it rains. [2] But the truth is, even in dry weather, many are dumping sewage every day - sometimes even illegally. [3]  Our creaking Victorian sewage system is clearly not fit for purpose. But companies are paying out millions to shareholders instead of fixing it properly. [4] The government’s on their backs: a new law, introduced in November, says companies are responsible for fixing this mess. But it’s weak, with no targets, and no proper accountability. [5]  That’s where we come in. Together, we can put these companies under the spotlight and push them to step up and fix this mess. But we need some crucial info first - like how much cash they have and what they’ve been giving to their shareholders. Then we’ll know how to press their buttons.  But John, that info won’t come cheap - we need to pay for expert researchers to help us find out everything about these companies. Can you help make that happen by donating today? Chip in £1 Chip in £2 Chip in £3 Chip in another amount Sewage pollution is a huge problem, John - and it’s going to take a big campaign to sort it out. We’re just at the beginning, but we know it needs to target:  Water companies - they need to step up their game and invest the money needed to fix the water systems they run. And right now, we need info about them, which is why we’re asking you to chip in to fund research today. Government - we may be focused on companies right now, but we’re not letting ministers off the hook! They need to take this issue seriously and ensure action is taken along every coast and in every river. So watch this space because we’ll be launching our government focused work very soon. We also know that there are some great organisations out therealready trying to tackle this issue, so we’ll be linking up with them - because we’re always stronger when we work together. That’s what 38 Degrees is all about.  But first, John, we need to get our (unpolluted) ducks in a row - by finding out as much about these companies as we can! Can you help, by chipping in to pay for expert environmental researchers to do this crucial digging? Chip in £1 Chip in £2 Chip in £3 Chip in another amount Thanks for being involved,  Matt, Tash, Megan, Jonathan and the 38 Degrees team  NOTES: [1] BBC News: Sewage discharged into rivers 400,000 times in 2020 Independent: Every river in England is polluted, government figures reveal ITV News: Warning 'not to enter sea' along Kent coast extended after sewage leak [2] Same as Note [1] [3] BBC News: Southern Water fined record £90m for dumping raw sewage [4] The Mirror: EXCLUSIVE: Raw sewage fury as water companies pay shareholders billions instead of fixing crisis [5] BBC News: Environment Bill passes following lengthy battle over sewage
38 Degrees wouldn’t exist without you, John. 38 Degrees has no big donors - we’re funded by ordinary people who care, like you. Regular donations mean that we can plan future campaigns, pay our workers a decent wage, and keep fighting for what we all believe in.  If you don't already do so, will you consider setting up a regular donation of a fiver, tenner or whatever you can spare? Click here to donate securely:  CHIP IN WEEKLY Unsubscribe: If you no longer wish to be part of our movement and receive our emails you can unsubscribe here. This email was sent to spanishjohnedwards@gmail.com. 38 DEGREES Limited by guarantee Registered Company No. 6642193 in England and Wales Registered office: First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1BE