29 September 2025
Sarah Gibson MP demands Thames Water face Royal Wootton Bassett and Lyneham residents over water pipe bursts
Sarah Gibson MP is calling for Thames Water to attend a public meeting in Royal Wootton Bassett over the company's repeated failings to fix pipes and support residents in crisis.
Following yet another mains burst in late September which left communities in Royal Wootton Bassett, Lyneham and the surrounding villages without access to water, Sarah Gibson MP is demanding Thames Water come to Wiltshire and face residents in a public meeting.
"You would think that a company that is facing such massive public scrutiny would be doing everything it could to put people's fears to bed.
"Emergencies happen, it is how you respond that matters. Unfortunately, Thames Water bury their heads in the sand, leaving their paying customers without access to water.
“I have written to Thames Water demanding they come to Bassett, look my constituents in the eye, apologise for disaster after disaster, and tell us what they are going to do to fix this.”
You can read Sarah's correspondence with Thames Water below.
25 Feb 2025
Sarah Gibson MP continues to fight for better service for Thames Water customers
Sarah Gibson MP, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Chippenham and Spokesperson for Business, has spoken out strongly against Thames Water amid growing concerns about the company's financial chaos.
Thames Water, which provides essential water services to millions of residents, is currently facing severe financial difficulties. The company has amassed £19 billion in debt and has recently been granted a £3 billion loan to avoid nationalisation. Despite these financial troubles, Thames Water executives awarded themselves bonuses totalling £770,000 in December—prompting outrage from both the public and political figures.
Sarah Gibson MP expressed deep concern over the company's actions, especially in light of the 35% increase in water bills passed onto customers. “Thames Water would have preferred to raise bills by 53%,” she noted, “yet they continue to reward failure at the top.”
In her recent letter to Thames Water executives, Ms Gibson criticised what she described as “awful behaviour” and highlighted the company’s failure to meet environmental commitments, which has led to delays and cancellations of key infrastructure projects. These failures, she stressed, directly affect local communities, water quality, and household finances.
One particular line from Thames Water’s response stood out to the MP: “We must pay competitive remuneration packages to attract and retain the best people.” In reply, Sarah Gibson MP stated, “I certainly do not believe their record of action shows that they are attracting the best people. I believe residents deserve much better.”
The full exchange between Sarah Gibson MP and Thames Water, including both her letter and the company’s response can be seen below.
