PM Starmer to host international investors on Oct. 14
UK needs billions to upgrade infrastructure and foster growth
Investors want clarity on utilities regulation, budget plans
Public anger at private water companies for dirty rivers

LONDON, Oct 2 Reuters British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a tough sales job this month in his first highprofile meeting with international investors whose cash he needs to accelerate economic growth and halt a sense of national decline.

Starmer will host executives from global banks, power firms and other multinationals on Oct. 14, hoping that political volatility in France, Germany and the United States will enhance Britain39;s attractiveness.

But big questions hang over how he will tackle the problems that hampered previous governments.

Years of Brexitlinked political chaos may have ended with his Labour Party39;s big election win, but the nearcollapse of utility Thames Water has unsettled investors.

Britain39;s privatised water industry is under fire for polluting rivers with sewage amid accusations that profit has been prioritised over the environment. Current investors in Thames Water blame regulators for limiting bill rises they say are needed to fund investment.

We39;re talking to international investors, and they39;re very nervous about the UK, Luke Hickmore, investment director at investment firm abdrn a Thames Water creditor said.

That39;s largely around the uncertainty on regulation.

Britain needs tens of…