Thérèse Coffey accused of ‘throwing in the towel’ over sewage scandal

At launch of cleaner water plan, minister says those who say they can end problem are ‘detached from reality’ or dishonest

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Thérèse Coffey has admitted she cannot end the sewage scandal, in what critics are calling a “complete abdication of duty”.

Launching her department’s cleaner water plan at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes in the south of the capital, the environment secretary said upgrading the sewage network to stop spills could add hundreds of pounds each to people’s bills.