Defending Scotland’s Success: Labour’s Water Claims Don’t Hold Water

Labour’s latest attack on Scottish Water is not only misleading—it’s downright dishonest. Their Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, recently claimed that Scotland’s water pollution is worse than England’s, ignoring all the evidence to the contrary.

The facts speak for themselves. According to the Independent Water Commission, 66% of Scotland’s water bodies enjoy good ecological status—compared to just 16.1% in England. SEPA confirms that 87% of Scotland’s water environment is rated ‘high’ or ‘good’, a rise from 82% in 2014. Meanwhile, Scottish Water remains in public hands, delivering lower bills—on average £113 cheaper than in England—and reinvesting profits for improvement, not shareholder payouts.

Martyn Day, SNP candidate for Falkirk East and Linlithgow, said:

“I’m appalled by Labour’s misrepresentation of Scottish Water. Public ownership works—and Scottish success proves it. Labour should be learning from us, not talking Scotland down to defend England’s failing privatised system.”

While water companies in England face soaring bills and sewage scandals, Scottish Water delivers results: 97% of our bathing waters meet quality standards, and we’re investing for the future—not for profits.

The silence from the media on Labour’s distortion is telling. But the SNP will continue to defend Scottish Water, and with the full powers of independence, we can go even further to protect public services and ensure they serve the people—not private interests.