ACCESS TO WATER

That this House notes the work of Manchester-based social enterprise, GiveMeTap, in raising awareness of water scarcity issues both in the UK and in Africa; further notes that it operates by encouraging cafe and shop owners to provide access to free tap water for people using the GiveMeTap branded reusable bottles; recognises this as a great example of the innovative ways in which communities can work together to tackle environmental waste and improve access to water; is aware that the company is about to launch the initiative nationwide; urges hon. Members to consider the ways in which their constituencies could benefit from such a scheme; applauds the fact that 70 per cent. of profits is used to fund projects in Africa to improve access to clean water; regrets the fact that the Government abstained from the recently adopted non-binding UN resolution which sought to enshrine access to clean water and sanitation as a human right; and calls on the Government to join European partners such as Spain and Germany in recognising that the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.