“We urgently need to address the growing gap between our water supply and demand, as highlighted by the current droughts, and it cannot be done without firm action and commitment from Government.
“Every day that goes by without the implementation of changes already outlined and consulted on in the white paper last year, we get further and further away from a resolution to our current and future water problems.”
He also commented on the Energy Bill: “In the UK we are faced with the three issues of security of supply, decarbonisation and affordability which, combined, places very considerable pressure on industry and on Government.
“To take us forward the Energy Bill has to provide the clarity and certainty on which private investors can rely if they are to be prepared to make long-term investments in our future; similarly if we are not to continue to live hand to mouth any Bill should incentivise them to invest in the mix of energy sources that will satisfy all three challenges.
“We cannot just keep delaying if we want to keep the lights on in the long-term, meet our carbon targets, and, importantly, benefit from exporting renewable technology with the associated effect on jobs, growth and skills.”
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For further information:
Emily Beadon, ICE Media Manager, 0207 665 2261 emily.beadon@ice.org.uk
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is a leading source of professional expertise in transport, water supply and treatment, flood management, waste and energy. Established in 1818, it has over 80,000 members throughout the world including over 60,000 in the UK. ICE’s vision is to place civil engineering the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise. The ICE has long worked with the government of the day to help it to achieve its objectives, and has worked with industry to ensure that construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK economy.
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