The Liberal Democrats have announced a massive expansion of marine protected areas and a new Blue Flag status for rivers will be included in their general election manifesto.

The plan would include legally binding targets to prevent sewage overflows discharging to those sites.

The Telegraph, The Times and Independent reported on the Lib Dems’ pledge to end ‘environmental vandalism’ and expand blue flag swimming sites.  The party also recently announced plans to abolish Ofwat, introducing a new regulator with greater powers, which follows its plans for a ban on water company executive bonuses.