The UK’s environmental laws changed significantly after this article was first published in 2019. In this Friendly Turtle EcoBlog piece, we look back at the proposed Environment Bill and the hope that stronger environmental governance could improve protection for oceans, rivers, wildlife, air and waste management after the UK left the European Union. The original article focused on Surfers Against Sewage and its #GenerationSea campaign, which encouraged people to speak up for stronger protections and healthier waters. A later version became the Environment Act 2021, so the article has been updated with historical context while keeping its original campaign message. It also links readers to current Surfers Against Sewage action, reflecting how ocean campaigning has evolved while concerns around plastic pollution, water quality and long-term environmental protection remain highly relevant.
