What is a hustings?

Ahead of elections, parliamentary candidates will spend a lot of time speaking to voters about a variety of issues, and we need to them to hear about the issues affecting our waters. One way of doing this is by hosting an event called a ‘hustings.’

A hustings provides communities the chance to ask political candidates questions around their plans and priorities for their area. It’s not just a chance for us to hear from the candidates, but rather for them to hear what matters to us.

A hustings can include:

• An opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves and their or their parties’ policy ambitions
• A Q&A with the audience or the community – a chance to really dig into the issues and grill the candidates
• A bit of (moderated) debate amongst candidates

And most importantly, it’s a chance for us to be heard, to demand more and to put pressure on candidates to commit to ocean-saving action. ✊

We’ll soon be announcing some exciting dates for your calendar! Keep your eyes peeled.

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On the topic of the general election, we’ve had a lot of questions. Here are a few of our answers to the most frequently asked:

Which party will deliver?

Surfers Against Sewage is a politically neutral charity. This means we do not, and can not, support or oppose any party or candidate. In the next few weeks parties will be setting out their manifestos explaining what they promise to do if elected. We want whoever forms the next government to set out and deliver bold and ambitious plans to end sewage pollution into the places we swim, surf and love by 2030.

I’m not voting, it’s a waste of time.

Voting is a unique way to participate in the democratic process and an opportunity to make your voice heard and help set the future direction of the country. We therefore encourage everyone who is able to vote to do so. The opportunity doesn’t come around that often so we encourage everyone to make the most of it.

What is SAS actually doing?

Surfers Against Sewage, in collaboration with other environmental groups, local community groups and sporting groups, created the End Sewage Pollution Manifesto setting out exactly what policies we want to see parties commit to and deliver if they are elected. Throughout the election we will be continuing to push all parties to adopt these policies to ensure whoever is elected will tackle pollution.

We will also be traveling the country to help support and amplify what local ocean activists are doing to engage with their candidates to get the commitments they need to clean up the local beaches and rivers.

We are here to help people make the best use of the unique opportunity the election provides.

Check out our election hub where we’ll be adding all things general election as we go.

If you have more questions, get in touch at [email protected]