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'Unimaginable beach tragedy should shame government into forcing water companies to clean up their act'

"Families should not have to gamble with their health simply because they paddle and play in the sea - yet water companies have discharged sewage near bathing waters for 116,000 hours since mid-May"

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Voice of the Mirror has its say...

Heather Preen was just eight when a day of childhood joy at the seaside ended in unimaginable tragedy.

She collected shells, played in the water and came home with memories her mother still treasures. Days later, she was desperately ill with E.coli. She died two weeks later. Now, as thousands of children like Heather head to Britains beaches, her story should shame any government into action.

Families should not have to gamble with their health simply because they paddle and play in the sea. Yet water companies have discharged sewage near bathing waters for 116,000 hours since mid-May.

It is a national disgrace. The government must force firms to clean up their act, punish repeated failure and ensure clear warnings are placed on beaches after sewage releases.

Heathers mother, Julie, has already endured a lifetime of grief. No parent should ever again go through that ordeal.

For us, not U.S.

Andy Burnham is right to make clear that Britain will not be pushed around by US President Donald Trump.

Despite Trumps efforts, America remains our closest ally, but friendship does not mean obedience. Britains leader serves the British people, not the whims of whoever occupies the White House.

Trump respects strength and exploits weakness. Mr Burnham must therefore build a constructive relationship without ever being cowed by threats, pressure or public attacks.

His first conversation with the President was warm. Diplomacy matters. So does backbone.

Boast dinner

Meghan says Archie and Lilibet love Brussels sprouts... America has finally beaten Britain at something culinary.

Over there, sprouts are roasted until crisp, glazed and made genuinely tasty. Ours are too often boiled into surrender.

Perhaps the Sussexes really can modernise the monarchy after all.

[Voice of the Mirror]

Voice of the Mirror

The leading comment of the Daily Mirror and the Sunday Mirror.

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