Thames Water failure predicted as MP questions reservoir plan

An MP has questioned the ability of a water company to lead a project to build a new reservoir, to supply 15 million people in the south east.

During a Westminster debate into the future of Thames Water on Tuesday, Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, called the failure of the company “inevitable”.

Thames Water said it was “committed to making the reservoir a reality.”

A consultation into plans for the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, near Abingdon, will close next week. Thames Water hope to start building the facility in 2029, with the reservoir operational from 2040.