How did my Tyneside MP vote on dumping raw sewage in rivers and the sea?

This week the Environmental Agency has warned the public to avoid dozens of beaches across the UK as raw sewage continues to be pumped into the country's waterways - here's how your local Tyneside MP voted in the Environment Bill amendment last year.

In October 2021, a proposal from the Lords to the Environment Bill that would have placed legal duties on the companies to reduce discharges was defeated by 265 MPs’ votes to 202.

Water companies are allowed to pour untreated sewage into rivers in exceptional circumstances, such as heavy rainfall.

Heavy rain seen across the UK last week after a long dry period resulted in intense pressure on the sewage system.

In a bid to prevent businesses and homes from flooding, water companies discharge water into those natural sources - although claim only a small quantity is wastewater.

The North East escaped the Environment Agency's warnings last week, with the main problem sites seen in the South East and South West.

Nonetheless, an alert was put in place at Spittal near Berwick-upon-Tweed with coastal residents voicing concerns in the region - data shows that across the country water companies have spent more than nine million hours since 2016 pumping raw sewage into Britain's seas and rivers.

The figure is an eye-watering increase of 2,553% over five years, according to the Labour Party's analysis of Environment Agency data.

Given recent sewage warnings, NewcastleWorld looks back on how your local Tyneside MP voted in the Environment Bill amendment last year to clarify their position on the matter.