Sick Boat Race rowers are the tip of the iceberg. Failing water companies are polluting the Thames and it’s time for action, says water minister Emma Hardy

As the world-famous Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race gets underway on the Thames later today, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride. This iconic race is a highlight of our sporting calendar, with thousands of spectators lining the banks of the river, and millions more watching on TV. But while the rowers battle it out for the trophy, there’s another battle happening behind the scenes – the fight to keep our rivers clean and safe for Londoners.

Rowers are worried about getting sick

I was horrified to see last year’s Boat Race overshadowed by health warnings telling rowers not to enter the river because of the risk of becoming ill from sewage pollution. And this week we’ve seen further warnings about concerning levels of E Coli in the........

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