The Ocean Alliance Against Offshore Drilling united in London for a day of ideas and action to protect UK seas from the devastating impacts of oil and gas developments.

Over 40 members assembled to secure a healthier, cleaner and fairer future for UK seas. We learnt about the untapped potential of oil and gas decommissioning to deliver jobs and marine protection; the almighty power of storytelling to create change for our seas; and the developments and direction of the Energy Independence Bill, a potentially game-changing piece of legislation.

“What if we knew the stories of wildlife harmed by oil and gas? What if they weren’t seen as a statistic, but as individuals with their own lives and families?” – Tom Mustill, ocean filmmaker

We stand on the precipice of a major opportunity to end fossil fuel exploration for good. The Energy Independence Bill is due to be introduced to parliament later this year, holding the potential to transform a ban on new oil and gas licences from a promise into a reality.

As we welcome a new prime minister to parliament, we’ll use the energy and momentum from this year’s gathering to continue speaking up for our seas: making sure decision-makers know the right choice for our ocean, our communities and our climate.

The Big Oil lobby is ramping up the volume to 100, so we’ll continue to stand firm and stay united. Because when we come together for our seas, waves of change are possible.

“These fights take everyone – you’re never going to win it by yourself” Suzi Shingler, Uplift