The Supreme Court has today ruled that emissions from burning fossil fuels, known as downstream emissions, should have been considered when approving new drilling sites in Surrey.

Judges ruled that Surrey County Council should have considered the full climate impact of burning oil from new wells. The Horse Hill oil well in Surrey was given planning permission to expand its operations in 2019, a decision that was challenged by local campaigners Weald Action Group.

Today’s landmark decision by the Supreme Court is a major win for the countryside, for the planet and for common sense. We hope it signals a major shift away from fossil fuels and towards clean, sustainable energy.