Reform UK conference: The Big Blue Reception

Each year, Reform UK Friends of the Ocean hosts "The Big Blue Reception" at Reform UK's annual conference — our flagship event bringing together the Reform UK community to champion the future of Britain's waters and coastal communities. Our inaugural event, held in September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, brought together Reform UK councillors and members from across the country.

The evening was full of engaging discussion, including sharp, incisive questions during our Q&A on a range of critical topics — from safeguarding the long-term prosperity of Britain's fishing industry, to restoring fish populations through meaningful habitat protection, to addressing the decline facing so many of our coastal communities and the urgent need to invest in areas that too often feel left behind and ignored by Westminster.

The 2026 event also marked the official launch of Reform UK Friends of the Ocean, under the leadership of newly appointed Director Rhys Davies-Herbert — a place where the Reform UK community can come together and lead on ocean and coastal issues ahead of the next general election.

Thank you to the Reform UK conference team for their support in making this event possible and to everyone who joined us.

Below are a selection of photos from our 2026 Big Blue Reception at Reform UK's National Conference, NEC Birmingham