A "GLARING oversight" in the King's speech has been slammed by a Worcester city councillor.

His Majesty King Charles III addressed both houses of Parliament and touched on a number of important issues - but there was one 'omission' which has caused controversy. 

Cllr Jessie Jagger, Worcester city councillor for Claines ward, was unhappy with the speech's "lack of environmental considerations" specifically on the topics of sewage and water pollution.

She believes urgent attention is required to "tackle the degradation of precious water bodies".

Cllr Jagger said: "The absence of any mention of sewage or water pollution is a glaring oversight in the King's Speech.

"Our lakes and rivers are under constant threat and it's disheartening to see a lack of commitment to addressing these pressing issues.

"Water issues are at the heart of our environmental challenges."

In the speech, His Majesty did speak about climate change and biodiversity loss but not specifically about sewage and water pollution. 

He said: "My government will continue to lead action on tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, support developing countries with their energy transition, and hold other countries to their environmental commitments."

Cllr Jagger has called for increased scrutiny and a more comprehensive strategy to ensure that environmental sustainability is at the forefront of government initiatives.

She said: "As we discuss energy security and net zero goals, we cannot afford to overlook the impact of these policies on our water bodies.

"We need a comprehensive plan that addresses both energy sustainability and the protection of our vital water resources.”

Cllr Jagger believes a holistic approach that not only considers emissions and energy security but also places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the health of our lakes and rivers is needed.

Worcester's Liberal Democrats said the topic of water pollution in waterways and "the Conservative party's silence on water pollution" in the King's Speech is a "cause for concern".

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said: "I think this is a bit of an irrelevant attack from the Liberal Democrats really.

"The Conservative party introduced the unlimited fines for water companies and have encouraged investment to upgrade and improve our sewage system as well as putting an end to storm overflows."