He also criticised the Labour government for abandoning a River Wye Action Plan, announced by the Conservatives before the General Election last July.

The plan had faced criticism from environmental groups for falling “far short” of what was needed, and for applying primarily to England, not Wales.

At the time water minister Emma Hardy MP said it would produce a new plan for the Wye, which would involve the Welsh government.

Norman described the river as “a true national treasure” which needed “a sustained collective effort”, led by the UK and Welsh governments to ensure it was restored to health as swiftly as possible.