Over 50 coastal businesses, ocean sports groups and athletes have united to urge the UK Government to hold the line on its commitment to end new exploration for oil and gas.

National sports governing bodies have joined professional athletes and coastal businesses to highlight the marine impacts of oil and gas developments – and the threat to livelihoods, sports and wellbeing as a result of chronic oil pollution and climate breakdown.

“Healthy, clean seas are vital to my sport, but UK waters continue to be degraded by daily oil and chemical spills. This impacts all of us, putting livelihoods, health and wellbeing at risk. It’s crucial that we protect our ocean by saying no to new oil and gas.” – Jack Eyers, Paralympic Canoeist

Coastal tourism and sports are key economic and social pillars of the UK, but are increasingly at risk from the threats of extreme weather driven by the climate crisis, as well as poor ocean health. Continuing to drill for new oil and gas threatens to undermine the billions generated for the economy and countless jobs supported by these industries.

What’s more, the extreme price volatility of fossil fuels has brought the need for the renewable energy transition into even sharper focus. All livelihoods are at risk when our energy supply is dependent on such an unpredictable source.

That is why groups and businesses from across the UK have written to the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sports to encourage cross-government support for the commitment to issue no new licences for oil and gas exploration. The letter urges the government to enshrine its world-leading position in upcoming legislation and facilitate a timely transition away from new oil and gas to an energy system that is fair for nature and all those who depend on or enjoy a healthy ocean.

From sailors to surfers; coastal saunas to wildlife operators; national governing bodies to community groups – a diversity of organisations and individuals from across the UK stand united to end new oil and gas for the sake of our seas.