Senior US politicians have issued a stark warning over the Labour Party's reported plans to sell Thames Water to a Chinese state-linked firm, raising concerns over potential national security risks.
Security Fears Over Foreign Ownership
According to sources, influential figures in Washington are deeply troubled by the prospect of critical UK infrastructure falling under Chinese control. The proposed deal could see Beijing gain influence over London's water supply through the state-backed China Three Gorges Corporation.
Bipartisan Concerns in Washington
Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers have expressed alarm, with one senior congressman stating: "This isn't just about water - it's about safeguarding Western infrastructure from potential espionage and political leverage." Intelligence experts suggest the deal could provide China with "unprecedented access" to sensitive data about British households.
Labour's Controversial Position
The opposition party has faced growing criticism for its perceived openness to Chinese investment in critical national infrastructure. Shadow ministers have previously defended economic ties with Beijing, but this stance is now coming under intense scrutiny from security hawks on both sides of the Atlantic.
What This Means for UK Consumers
- Potential vulnerability of personal data
- Risk of price increases to service Chinese debt
- Questions over long-term infrastructure maintenance
The controversy comes as Thames Water faces mounting financial pressures, with the company struggling under £14 billion of debt. Critics argue that selling to a foreign state-owned enterprise might solve short-term financial issues but create longer-term strategic problems.
