Pembrokeshire's two Conservative MPs have been defending themselves after accusations that they voted for water companies to dump raw sewage into rivers.

A proposal from the Lords to the Environment Bill that would have placed legal duties on the companies to reduce discharges was defeated by 265 MPs' votes to 202.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats accused Simon Hart MP (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire) and Stephen Crabb MP (Preseli Pembrokeshire) of "watering down proposals to tackle river pollution".

But Conservative MPs have responded by saying that safeguards already exist, and new measures would cost billions.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds, MS for Mid and West Wales, said: “The Conservative Government ignored millions of people who demanded action to save our treasured rivers and lakes.

"This is a slap in the face for what has been one of the boldest and more inspiring environmental campaigns in recent years.

"We needed to see legislation with real teeth today which gave water companies hard deadlines and targets. Instead, we have a flimsy new law that won't be strong enough to hold water companies to account.

“This is yet another betrayal of Pembrokeshire by the Conservative Party that has been pushed through, despite the visible upset it was causing within the region.

"Especially so considering the dire state of the River Teifi and the effect of sewage on numerous beaches after heavy rain including Tenby South and Saundersfoot Beach.

"I will continue to demand stronger and more immediate action to get our rivers, lakes and seas cleared up, including levying larger fines against water companies refusing to follow the rules.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats will stand up for all those who took part in this inspiring environmental campaign."

Simon Hart, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, responded by saying: “The responsibility for water quality in Wales is a matter solely for the Senedd in Cardiff, which given that she works there I assumed she would have known.

“If she really does care about our rivers, rather than scoring political own goals, she should lobby Mark Drakeford to introduce the same new environmental improvement measures that UK Government passed into law this week.”

MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Stephen Crabb, said: “It is just not true that any MP voted in favour of discharging untreated sewage into water courses. Everyone agrees it is an outdated and damaging practice.

“But we cannot replace the country's outdated Victorian system of sewers and storm overflows with a wave of a wand. It is going to take a lot of planning, time and money.

 “The Environment Bill places clear legal duties on the water companies to start phasing out sewage discharges. As a result of the public campaign in the last few weeks, the Government has gone even further to strengthen the new law.”