Protesters gathered this weekend with Eastbourne MP in support of the Clean Water Bill.

Plastic Free Eastbourne and Surfers Against Sewage gathered on Saturday, October 24 to protest against Southern Water. The event was initially supposed to be a ‘Mass Dip’ at Lifeguard Beach but was rescheduled to be indoors at the Belgian Cafe due to Storm Austen.

Leading the event in Eastbourne is Karine Morrison, director of Plastic Free Eastbourne, and member of Eastbourne Sea Swimmers. Karine will be dipping every day in October demonstrating her commitment to ocean protection and the health benefits of cold water. She said: “This is about protecting our beautiful coast, standing up to sewage pollution, especially at this moment with the Clean Water Bill’. We’re here to show just how deeply our community cares about the future of our seas,” said Karine Morrison. “We’re thrilled that our MP Josh Babarinde will be joining us again to show solidarity for clean water in Eastbourne”

MPs voted in Parliament for the Clean Water Bill, which was proposed in May last year, to create more regulation for water companies and to establish a Clean Water Authority. Josh Babarinde voted in support for the bill in the House of Commons and joined protestors to call for more regulation.

Plastic Free Eastbourne and Josh Babarinde stand up for Clean Water Bill.

placeholder image — Plastic Free Eastbourne and Josh Babarinde stand up for Clean Water Bill.

Josh Babarinde showed his support at the event and in a speech he said: “For as long as I am MP and proud Eastbournian I will campaign with all of you to defend our sea and bring the water companies to account.

"The beach is one of the most important assets to our town and we need to protect it and fight for our quarter.” Josh is in support of getting rid of Ofwat and banning bonuses for water company bosses.

Amongst the supporters were Joe Wills from Trunks and Hunks gave a speech, he said: “The sea is far greater than ourselves and we need to protect it. For the love of our beach and for the love of our town.”

Plastic Free Eastbourne also received an award for its local contribution. Alongside the talks, there was a pebble drawing competition and a raffle with various prizes.