Proposals to give Suffolk rivers intrinsic rights turned down

Councillors have turned down proposals to give rivers in Suffolk intrinsic rights.

Cllr Ruth Leach, of the county’s Green, Lib Dem and Independent Group, sought support from other members yesterday evening to adopt a rights-of-rivers approach.

The approach is part of a growing movement seeking to give rivers intrinsic rights as part of an overarching effort to protect them.

This included the right to flow, naturally and seasonally, to be free from pollution and contamination, and to regenerate from environmental harm.

Cllr Leach warned councillors about the deteriorating state of Suffolk’s waterways, with the chemicals linked to cancer having been found in the River Orwell.

“By acknowledging the rights of Suffolk rivers today, we can begin to shift our relationship with them from expl