Dr. Nigel Geary, an independent candidate, is running for Parliament in the Wyre Forest constituency with a focused campaign to nationalize water services.
His primary objective is to re-nationalize water by introducing a private member's bill that would bring all water companies back into public ownership.
Dr. Nigel Geary was born and raised in Kidderminster and attended Harry Cheshire Boys' School and King Charles I Grammar School.
He later obtained his PhD from Liverpool University. As a schoolboy, he rowed in Bewdley and continues to be an active member of the Bewdley Rowing Club.
Dr. Geary highlights the detrimental environmental impact caused by privatized water companies.
For instance, Severn Trent has been reported to pollute rivers with raw sewage, even during illegal times such as dry days. This pollution poses significant risks to local ecosystems and public health.
Privatized water companies have often failed to disclose sewage spills. In many cases, they have shifted the blame onto farmers instead of taking responsibility.
This lack of transparency undermines public trust and prevents effective regulation and accountability.
There has been a consistent failure to invest adequately in expanding the capacity to meet increasing demand. As a result, the infrastructure is unable to cope with growing water needs, leading to frequent shortages and service disruptions.
Water companies have been criticized for their slow response in fixing leaking water mains. This inefficiency leads to significant water wastage and further exacerbates supply issues, which could be mitigated with prompt and effective maintenance.
Despite the mismanagement, CEOs of privatized water companies receive excessive salaries, bonuses, and share options. This practice diverts funds away from necessary improvements and maintenance, prioritizing profit over service quality and sustainability.
Privatized water companies pay billions in dividends to shareholders, many of whom are foreign governments, including some autocratic regimes. This practice raises concerns about national security and the ethical implications of profiting from a vital public resource.
Thames Water's financial instability is a clear example of the risks associated with privatized water services. The company is bankrupt and can only continue operating with further capital from shareholders, which in turn leads to massive hikes in consumer water bills.
Dr. Geary has found overwhelming support among Wyre Forest residents for the re-nationalization of water services.
The consensus is that water management should return to public ownership as a not-for-profit entity to ensure fair, transparent, and sustainable management of this essential resource.