Sarah Finch wins prestigious global environmental prize

20 Apr 2026News

Rowan Smith, Julia Eriksen, Sarah Finch, and Carol Day outside the Supreme Court

Environmental activist Sarah Finch has been honoured with the Goldman Environmental Prize for her significant role in combating oil drilling in Surrey, which culminated in a pivotal Supreme Court decision on fossil fuel emissions

Sarah Finch was recognised during a San Francisco ceremony, alongside other awardees from around the globe. Her five-year legal battle, supported by Leigh Day solicitors, targeted the Horse Hill drilling project and led to the influential ‘Finch ruling’. This landmark Supreme Court ruling determined that planning applications must consider downstream emissions, effectively halting several fossil fuel extraction initiatives in the UK, including developments in Biscathorpe and Whitehaven. Finch began her campaign in 2019 after challenging the local council’s approval for the drilling operation.

The Goldman Environmental Prize celebrates grassroots environmental champions from various regions, with Finch being this year’s European recipient. Upon receiving the award, she expressed gratitude, stating “It is a huge honour to receive the Goldman Prize. I'm proud to accept it on behalf of the Weald Action Group and communities everywhere who are fighting to keep fossil fuels in the ground." Rowan Smith from Leigh Day highlighted Finch's dedication, noting that “This prize is thoroughly deserved recognition of the tireless work Sarah put into campaigning" and emphasised the judgment's significant impact on climate change litigation in the UK

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

Supreme Court rejects limitation period for unfair prejudice petitions

The Supreme Court ruled unfair prejudice petitions are not subject to statutory limitation periods under the Limitation Act 1980

King’s Speech outlines property ownership changes

The King’s Speech proposes significant leasehold reforms aimed at enhancing homeowner rights and transparency

Employment tribunal crisis requires urgent reform

The employment tribunal backlog in England and Wales has reached unprecedented levels, leaving workers in limbo for years

Manhattan Coffee v Mwagiru: when directors lack standing to sue in a company's name during liquidation

A director of a company in liquidation cannot bring proceedings in the company's name.

Rupert Lowe MP v ICGS: High Court rules parliamentary privilege bars judicial review of MP disciplinary proceedings

ICGS complaints against MPs fall within exclusive cognisance of the House of Commons.

Twigg and Bedford v R: Court of Appeal clarifies "in charge" under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Two people in different locations can simultaneously be in charge of a dangerous dog.

Przybys v Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police: High Court dismisses judicial review of police decision not to investigate alleged manslaughter

Police discretion not to investigate gross negligence manslaughter upheld as rational where expert regulators were already engaged.

Mudford Parish Council v Somerset Council: when does a local plan policy to "provide" a use require its delivery?

Planning Court rules on the meaning of Policy YV2 in a challenge to outline permission for 765 dwellings.

LLJ v London Borough of Hackney: High Court finds housing appeal decision unlawful over Band A refusal

A family with a severely disabled child in a mould-ridden, overcrowded flat wins judicial review.

SB v PB: how the Court of Protection balanced contact restrictions against care home placement stability

Care home operators, Article 8 rights and the limits of judicial power in best interests decisions

Ilyas Seitayev wins Tribunal whistleblowing case

The Employment Tribunal has ruled in favour of Ilyas Seitayev, affirming his claim against Jusan Technologies Limited and its CEO Masudul Rony Wahid for whistleblowing...

Court quashes rape conviction due to jurisdiction issues

The Court of Appeal has overturned a rape conviction, ruling the Crown Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case

Tax advisers must register under new rules

From 18 May 2026, tax advisers are required to register to enhance standards and protect taxpayers

SJ Interview: Keith Froud

Keith Froud, Global Co-CEO and International Chief Executive of Eversheds Sutherland, has spent over three decades in corporate M&A before moving into global leadership. In...