Dorset Oil Spill responsibility lies with those blocking transition off fossil fuels

26th March 2023, London – Commenting on the declaration of a “major incident” over an oil spill in Poole Harbour, Dorset, Alice Harrison, Fossil Fuels Campaign Leader at Global Witness, said:

“Whilst the extent of the damage is still unknown, there is no doubt that a huge spill like this will have a devastating impact on the local population and environment in Dorset.”

“Despite all the safety promises fossil fuel companies make, they simply cannot guarantee against these kinds of incidents. Sooner or later, this is the unavoidable reality of the oil industry.”

“It’s baffling that there are still MPs in the UK Parliament who complain about wind and solar farms spoiling the British landscape, when the alternative is toxic oil polluting our waters and killing our wildlife. The sight of our waters turning black shouldn’t be possible in 2023 and the responsibility lies squarely at the door of those who are blocking a green energy transition that both people and planet desperately need.”