Finch v Surrey County Council
“I am deeply grateful to Law For Change for stepping in and supporting this case at a pivotal moment, enabling us to go all the way to the Supreme Court” – Sarah Finch, Claimant
The landmark Supreme Court case R (Finch) v Surrey County Council & others [2024] UKSC 20 represents a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change.
Supported by Law for Change and led by the expert legal team at Leigh Day, this case is a truly landmark judgment and the first of its kind in climate change litigation, not only in the UK, but also across the whole of Europe. It already has had - and will continue to have - major implications for fossil fuel projects around the world.
This case epitomises Law for Change’s mission to enable legal challenges that drive societal and environmental change.
The Background: A Fight for Accountability
When Surrey County Council approved oil production at Horse Hill, the decision threatened to release 3.3 million tonnes of crude oil over 20 years—without a full assessment of its climate impact.
Supported by the Weald Action Group, Sarah Finch challenged this decision, arguing that downstream greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be included in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
What was at stake?
The climate impact of fossil fuel projects worldwide.
The outcome?
A Supreme Court ruling that fundamentally changed the interpretation of EIA regulations, ensuring that all future fossil fuel projects must consider their full environmental impact.
The Role of Law for Change
When the case reached the Supreme Court, funding was nearly exhausted. Law for Change stepped in, providing the critical financial support needed to continue the fight.
The combination of Leigh Day’s legal expertise and Law for Change’s funding enabled this groundbreaking case to proceed, demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving a change of the law for the public good.
Why This Case Matters
This isn’t just about Surrey— it sends a strong message to planning authorities across England and Wales, setting a new benchmark for environmental accountability and transparency that will act as a powerful international precedent.
The ripple effects of the Finch case:
Immediate Impact: At least six major fossil fuel projects, including the Rosebank oil project in Scotland and the Cumbria coal mine, have been halted or reassessed, as well as a decision to ban fracking and onshore oil and gas operations in Northern Ireland.
Policy Change: The case has influenced government policy, with the Labour government committing to reassess its support for oil and gas extraction.
Global Precedent: Planning authorities across the UK and Europe now face stricter requirements for environmental accountability.
