Young Friends of the Earth activist and steering group member Richard Sagar joined the anti-fracking demonstrations in Barton Moss, Manchester, in the United Kingdom. Here are some of his reflections, and a call to action. Help stop fracking in the UK.
I have to be honest, waiting around in a car park on the outskirts of Manchester on a cold afternoon is not my idea of a perfect Sunday.
But with Barton Moss in Manchester at the frontline in the current fight against unconventional gas extraction. I felt it necessary to join the solidarity demonstration with those camping at the fracking rig, preventing lorries transporting goods to the site.
The demo itself had a better than expected turnout with upwards of 500 people, most of whom local, outraged at the Governments plans to leave the British countryside resembling a pin cushion. There were people from all walks of life and ages united in opposition to the Government’s proposed ‘dash for gas’.
With such a large percentage of the UK population opposed to fracking, The government is on the back foot. David Cameron is urging councils to get on board and even offering bribes to councils that do.
Barton Moss is just the beginning. Future site battles will be necessary. Young FoE will be there, we hope you can join us.
Sign our petition to David Cameron
In Brussels, Europe will effectively open its doors to dirty and dangerous unconventional fossil fuels like shale gas this week. The European commission’s shale gas framework will be announced on January 22nd, and the proposed review of the Environmental impact assessment directive will be voted in the European Parliament in February. Both are empty shells and effectively provide no regulation for shale gas and fracking.
This demonstrates, beyond doubt, that European citizens can expect no help, or protection against the dangers of fracking, from Brussels. The interests of dirty industries have yet again prevailed over those of citizens. We need more local resistance across Europe, like that witnessed here in Barton Moss, as an ever-increasing gap appears between the interests of citizens, and the policies of those whose job it should be to protect them.
With that in mind, join the YFoEE Unconventional gas working group to help us fight fracking wherever it will take place!