Tracy Brabin

Tracy Brabin argues that Yorkshire’s privatized water system has allowed companies and executives to retain profits while the public bears the costs of pollution, ill health and rising bills. She highlights Yorkshire Water’s 260 pollution incidents, 248,270 hours of raw sewage discharges, persistent leaks, expected lowest-level regulatory rating, £88.8 million penalty, £81.5 million in shareholder dividends and substantial executive remuneration. Brabin says the company’s failures threaten rivers and undermine West Yorkshire’s nature recovery strategy, leaving 5.5 million residents with no alternative provider and calling for water services to be brought under public control.

Tracy Brabin commemorates Jo Cox ten years after her murder and argues that Cox’s belief that people have more in common than divides them is especially important amid political polarization, online abuse and threats against politicians. She calls for tougher action against those who incite violence, greater accountability for technology companies and foreign influencers, restrictions on social media for under-16s, and stronger regulation to protect young people and public debate. Brabin presents devolution and collaborative leadership in West Yorkshire as a hopeful alternative to divisive national politics, and praises Kim Leadbeater, the Jo Cox Foundation, community staff and police officers for continuing Cox’s legacy.