What the Greens want right now
At the Greens' conference, deputy leader Rachel Millward said delaying action is a mistake and called for an immediate public takeover of Thames Water with zero payouts to creditors or shareholders. "Burnham's 10-year plan of gentle threats and vague notions of control is not enough," she said.
Her push comes as the Labour government weighs placing the UK's largest water utility into special administration. Since shareholders walked away in 2024, creditors have effectively been in charge of the company. Last month, a group of lawmakers argued those creditors should be stopped from taking full control and urged the government and the regulator Ofwat to pull out of negotiations with them.
Where the government stands
Earlier this week at Labour's annual conference, Andy Burnham said the prohibition would be scrapped so water companies could be publicly owned, yet none were actually moved into state control. Officials have been wary, citing the potential hit to taxpayers, possible legal action from creditors, and concerns that forceful intervention could chill future investment in UK utilities.
Covering Greater London and nearby districts, Thames Water is weighed down by almost £19 billion of debt, equal to $25.2 billion. The tug of war over who ultimately runs it - and on what terms - is intensifying.
Who owns your utilities decides what eventually shows up on your bill. Market Briefs covers these ownership fights free every weekday.
Party politics and internal friction
Green Party leader Zack Polanski told the conference that his party helped steer Labour left under Burnham. Membership has surged on his watch and support reached double-digit percentages, though polling has slipped recently after a string of missteps. The Greens still have five MPs in the 650-seat House of Commons, and Polanski is contesting a by-election on Thursday.
Rapid growth has exposed rifts between longer-time environmentalists and newer members attracted by the party's strong backing for Palestinian statehood. Those tensions are on display with a motion up for a Sunday vote to define Zionism as racism. Members disagree over what Zionism means, and some Jewish Greens say they would feel uncomfortable staying if it passes.
The policy pitch and why your wallet might care
Ali also proposed a two-year jobs guarantee for 18 to 24 year olds, aimed at young people outside education, work, or training. The scheme would see the government pick up half of wages for placements of two years in roles beyond the public sector. Employers would not have to pay National Insurance contributions, but they would be required to offer structured training and uphold high employment standards.
For everyday finances, the big questions are who absorbs Thames Water's hefty liabilities and how far the government goes in reshaping utilities. A special administration or a public takeover could influence future bills and public spending. And if the Greens keep pulling the policy conversation left, it could shape how infrastructure and youth employment programs show up in your costs, not just in market headlines.
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