A #protest #swim by #SurfersAgainstSewage in #Cornwall SW #England had to be called off, as rainfall caused South West #water to discharge too much #sewage into the #sea ! 💩

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7l4lzeljjo

Campaigners in Wales join national protest against plastic pollution ahead of global treaty talks

Communities across Wales will take to the coast this weekend as part of a nationwide protest against plastic pollution, organised by environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). The People vs Plastic campaign will see demonstrators gather at Coney Beach in Porthcawl and Tywyn Beach on Saturday 19 July, demanding stronger action from the UK Government ahead of next month’s Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva.

The protests are part of a wider National Day of Action, with events planned across the UK — from beach cleans and school-led “Trash Mobs” to marches in city centres. Organisers say the goal is to pressure the government into committing to legally binding targets to reduce plastic production and pollution, and to position the UK as a global leader in tackling single-use plastics.

The Geneva talks, running from 5–14 August, follow a breakdown in negotiations last year in South Korea, where countries failed to agree on reducing plastic output. Campaigners argue that a robust treaty is essential to protect marine ecosystems and curb the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste.

Lucy Jones, who is organising the Porthcawl protest, said:

“I’m tired of seeing our beautiful coastlines polluted with plastic waste. This isn’t just about litter — it’s about protecting marine life, preserving nature for future generations, and demanding real change from industries and governments.”

Surfers Against Sewage is calling for:

• Legally binding plastic reduction targets
• A comprehensive Deposit Return Scheme and reuse-focused circular economy
• Extended Producer Responsibility laws to make polluters pay

The charity says over 88,000 people have taken part in 3,600 local cleans so far in 2025, collecting more than 40,000kg of rubbish through its Million Mile Clean initiative. It also supports over 400 Plastic Free Communities and 3,000 Plastic Free Schools across the UK.

Giles Bristow, Chief Executive of SAS, said:

“We are drowning in the toxic tide of plastic. The UK remains one of the worst offenders for generating single-use waste, and our government is still dawdling on action. With the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations just around the corner, we must turn up the heat.”

Related environmental stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea Bay parks and green spaces recognised among world’s best
315 Green Flag Awards celebrate biodiversity, wellbeing and community pride across Wales.

Crown Estate funds new offshore wind supply chain programme in South Wales
£100k investment supports floating wind industry and local SMEs in the Swansea Bay City Region.

Safety works to begin at Cwmgwrach coal tip to reduce landslip risk
Natural Resources Wales begins drainage reinforcement to improve safety at disused colliery site.

New dunes planned to help keep wind-blown sand at bay
Swansea Council introduces natural windbreaks and fencing to protect beach habitats and reduce sand drift.

#campaign #ConeyBeach #plastic #Porthcawl #protest #Recycling #singleUsePlastic #SurfersAgainstSewage

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck7948geezjo

Some 'literal green washing' oh aren't we nice and all about community!

I mean its not like they really made a lot of profit
while profit rose to £201.3 million.

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/business/2024/05/22/huge-profits-for-severn-trent--as-bills-set-to-soar-and-sewage-spills-continue/

#surfersagainstsewage #severntrent

@HampshireKarin

What is the point of regulators if they're in bed with the industry they're supposed to police?

This government is soooooo corrupt.

#GeneralElectionNow
#GTTO
#SurfersAgainstSewage
#ToryCorruption
#SewageScandal

Our CEO @gilesbristow's statement:
“Yet again, our water quality report reveals the complacency and disregard of governments, water companies and regulators towards the health of rivers and coastlines in the UK. How much do our blue spaces need to suffocate in #sewage before those we elect to keep us safe and protect our #environment wake up and smell the sh*t?" - #surfersagainstsewage #pollution

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/21/most-inland-bathing-spots-in-uk-have-unsafe-levels-of-pollution-report-finds

Hell's bells - I suppose I shouldn't be surprised -https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/nov/14/possible-conflict-of-interest-for-new-environment-secretary-steve-barclay-anglian-water-sewage?CMP=share_btn_tw

#Sewage #Environment #SurfersAgainstSewage #CleanWater #DirtyWater #Fish #Rivers #ConflictOfInterest #WildlifeUK

"Campaigners fear the change of approach could lead to more pollution in England’s rivers and waterways if the new measuring methods are less rigorous."

Even less rigorous than now...? Great, that's just great.

#brexit #BrexitDisaster #BrexitBonus #brexitshambles #RiverPollution #surfersagainstsewage #saveourrivers #nature #environmentuk #ofwat #libdems #liberaldemocrats

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/27/england-to-diverge-from-eu-water-monitoring-standards