Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
The Big Issue Oasis Collector's edition is coming - sign up so you don't miss out!
SIGN UP
Activism

Protesters take to the beaches over sewage pollution

One protest saw a coffin being floated down the river Wye on a surfboard.

Campaigners from Surfers Against Sewage are joined by other local community groups, as they gather on Fistral beach in Newquay. Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Water pollution is ravaging the UK’s rivers, thanks to water companies and lax regulation. So environmental campaigners have decided to fight them on the beaches.

Organised by Surfers Against Sewage, crowds gathered across the country on Saturday April 23 to protest over sewage pollution, with marches in Worthing and Newquay among those attracting large numbers.

Surfboards were held aloft, while placards included: “We’ve had enough of your shitty politics”.

In Abergavenny, a surfboard carried a coffin daubed with “death of the Wye” downriver as a protester dressed as the grim reaper looked on.

The situation is dire. Every single one of England’s rivers failed a pollution test in 2020.

A protester in Worthing holds a surfboard. Image: Joel Roberts/PA Wire

Hugh Tagholm, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, said: “When I go for a surf, my son goes for a swim or when anyone takes time to enjoy the UK’s blue spaces, we shouldn’t have to do this with the risk of getting sick from sewage hanging over us.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

“The message from the UK public has been made loud and clear from the streets today – water company execs, we are sick of your shit.”

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

SIGN THE PETITION

Will you sign Big Issue's petition to ask Keir Starmer to pass a Poverty Zero law? It's time to hold government to account on poverty once and for all.

Recommended for you

View all
As the government moves to ban Palestine Action, are terror laws being used for 'political policing'?
Yvette Cooper
Protest

As the government moves to ban Palestine Action, are terror laws being used for 'political policing'?

Disabled protesters say they'll stop Labour's benefit cuts – or die trying: 'I will fight my heart out'
Protesters in Cardiff outside their local MP's office with a sign saying 'welfare not warfare'
Disability benefits

Disabled protesters say they'll stop Labour's benefit cuts – or die trying: 'I will fight my heart out'

These scientists felt powerless over the climate crisis – so they decided to do something about it
Climate activism

These scientists felt powerless over the climate crisis – so they decided to do something about it

Meet the new Big Issue ambassadors helping to end poverty once and for all: 'We're in a fight'
Big Issue Ambassadors

Meet the new Big Issue ambassadors helping to end poverty once and for all: 'We're in a fight'

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.