Fresh fracking row explodes as ban lifted and Lancashire by-election looms
The fracking row could explode at the UK’s first by-election since the controversial lifting of the ban - just as Lancashire's two major shale gas wells could reopen.
“To get there we will need to explore all avenues available to us through solar, wind, oil and gas production – so it’s right that we’ve lifted the pause to realise any potential sources of domestic gas.” A new oil and gas licensing round was also announced, expected to be launched by the North Sea Transition Authority in early October, and predicted to see more than 100 new licenses being granted to search for oil and gas in the North Sea.
“There’s also been colossal methane leaks, community disharmony, and most notably: zero commercial gas produced.We’re in a climate crisis with a desperate need for a clean, green energy future. Fracking will not make any positive impact on the UK’s energy needs or fuel bills, and any attempt to suggest it will, is blatant spin.
“If the government caves into the fracking industry and allows them to cause larger earthquakes, it will further undermine confidence that fracking can be done safely. The reality is that fracking will have a negligible impact on energy bills, while sending more climate-changing emissions into the atmosphere. Little wonder that it is one of the least popular forms of energy generation.
Labour Lancashire County Councillor Julie Gibson said she would be putting herself forward, subject to internal Labour Party processes, adding: "When the Prime Minister announced the controversial return of fracking it immediately raised concerns for the return of this damaging industry in Lancashire. The government ordered a review of the science behind fracking in April, but we know that it can cause earthquakes, water contamination, noise and traffic pollution.
“As I've said before on this, we have an energy crisis now and they are suggesting a solution be fracking which couldn't even be commercialised for 5-10yrs plus. Government need to plan for the long term but that needs to be community renewable energy schemes with local support. We will continue to work with local anti-fracking groups to campaign against.”
Within West Lancashire, they include Labour West Lancashire Borough Councillor Gareth Dowling, Labour West Lancashire Borough Councillor for Skelmersdale South Nicola Pryce-Roberts, Labour Lancashire County Councillor Nikki Hennessy, Labour Lancashire County Councillor Julie Gibson, former West Lancashire Borough Councillor Liz Savage and Independent West Lancashire Borough Councillor for Ashhurst James Upjohn.
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