New rules voted on today by the European Parliament today (21st October) mean that many beaches across South East England are set to lose their ‘blue flag’ bathing status.

The new rules state that clean beaches must be classed as “good” or “excellent”, yet will do nothing to explain the level of suitability for swimming to confused bathers.

Included in the legislation is a clause which suggests that water sports will be outlawed in many areas of ‘inland water’, such as lakes, as land owners and local authorities will be compelled to ensure that water meets standards acceptable for swimming.

Nirj Deva, speaking from his office at the heart of the European Parliament in Brussels said:

“In South East England we are blessed by some of the cleanest and most attractive beaches in Europe.

”I find the fact that many of these beautiful beaches are set to lose their coveted ‘blue flag’ status due to these pointless new EU rules really rather ludicrous.

“The most bizarre part of this legislation is that people may soon be banned from taking part in water sports in areas of inland water which do not meet the appropriate levels of cleanliness for swimming. It seems that the days of canoeing and jet-skiing may well be a thing of the past!

”It is astonishing that this damaging piece of legislation was passed thanks to the votes of the British Labour MEPs who are, not for the first time, ignoring what is best for the South East and best for Britain”.