Protest outside gates to Third Energy’s KM8 site, 19 September 2017. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
Two men were arrested this morning as anti-fracking campaigners gathered at the gates of Third Energy’s shale gas site in Kirby Misperton for the arrival of the first delivery vehicles.
About 50 police and 100 opponents of Third Energy’s plans to frack its KM8 well were outside the site.
The protesters said a line of people prevented access to the site for about half an hour.
A police statement said “several” protesters were moved away from the site entrance. A 69-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. He and a 33-year-old man were also arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.
North Yorkshire Police later said the 69-year-old man accepted a caution for obstructing a police officer. The 33-year-old man was released with no further action.
Arrest outside Third Energy’s KM8 site, 19 September 2017. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
The first deliveries to the site had been expected today after North Yorkshire County Council approved all the conditions of the company’s planning permission.
Work to frack and test the well cannot start until Third Energy has approval from the Environment Agency and Oil and Gas Authority for its hydraulic fracturing plan and final sign-off from the Business Secretary.
“Disproportionate force”
Monica Gripaios, from Hovingham, was among the protesters. She said:
“We came here to show our complete disapproval for fracking. The force used by the police was utterly disproportionate to the mood and actions of the peacefully assembled people’’.
Protest outside gates to Third Energy’s KM8 site, 19 September 2017. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
Kirby Misperton Protection Camp said in a press statement:
“Many of those present had never been on the frontline of any kind of protest before, nor had they been approached by the police in this manner.
“The force used caused a great deal of distress and marked an escalation in the policing tactics, on this, the first day of the work beginning. For the younger protectors, it was particular upsetting to see those of their parents and grandparents generations being man-handled by the police.”
One resident of the protection camp said:
‘’Today was the culmination of 9 months work and the entire community were united in peaceful protest. We will not accept this sacrifice to our way of life. We will continue to protect our countryside and our democracy; one in which the will of the people is heard.”
North Yorkshire Police at Kirby Misperton and (front) the clown “Odius Gitt”, 19 September 2017. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
“Police carry out duties impartially”
Earlier today, Superintendent Alisdair Dey, of North Yorkshire Police, said:
“We know that there are very different views about hydraulic fracturing, but as the local police, our responsibility is to carry out our duties impartially.
“We have a duty to make sure that people who want to assemble and protest do so safely, balanced against a duty to ensure that businesses can go about their lawful commercial activity.
“Police liaison officers have been engaging with the protest community, and will continue to do so, explaining what is acceptable in terms of safety and reasonableness.”
At about 5pm, the Kirby Misperton Protection Camp reported that another delivery was trying to enter the site and protesters remained at the site. The police confirmed that a 23-year-old man was arrested. He later accepted a caution for obstructing the highway.
In a later statement, Superintendent Lindsey Robson said:
“We’ll continue to take a neighbourhood policing approach to protests – that means we will talk to people, to explain what is acceptable in terms of safety and reasonableness and ask them to work with us to make this a safe and peaceful protest. We would rather talk to people and persuade them to move than have to make arrests”.
Update
Eddie Thornton, the 33-year-old man who was arrested this morning and later released without any further action, said:
”An officer made the serious allegation that I had tried to steal his pepper spray. After reviewing the evidence North Yorkshire police have chosen to take no further action. I feel vindicated and will join my community in peaceful protest again tomorrow.”
Bob Gripaios, who was released with a caution, said:
“I have never broken the law in all my 69 years but I love Ryedale and I feel I need to protect it. The only avenue left open to us now is this protest campaign, however I would never harm anyone”.
James Mason, from York, who was attested later in the day, was released at 11pm with a caution. He said:
“It’s a shame that it has to come to this but I feel it’s my duty to be on the front line of this protest in support of my community.”
Police operation outside gates to Third Energy’s KM8 site, 19 September 2017. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
Updated 20/9/2017 with quotes and information from the police on cautions
Categories: policing
DRILL OR DROP? 
If the police really were to act impartionally, they would be supporting and upholding the will of the people and making their own stand against fracking. Policing is supposed to be with the consent of those of us who pay their wages.
Russ
Looks like the Met police should get out and support Uber this weekend, as the will of the people is that they be allowed to operate, even if this is illegal?
I’m not sure modern policing allows impartiality when it comes to tory policies. I’m not sure how honest one cop was with me a couple of weeks ago at KM8. He said he was against fracking, but was coming up for retirement. I bet the home office is permanently balancing how much force to use and what impact it will have on wider communities and observers. Polytricks, the art of deception, game playing, and transactional analysis on an industrial scale. The polytricians are likely to start using fracking’s favourite trope, or theme, “play”. You are supposed to win a gas field. and the field ironically is called a play. I find it very creepy.
No Russ. The police made it quite clear a while ago they would allow certain legitimate protest but would not accept other protest that was deliberately focused upon disrupting legitimate activity of Third Energy, and as a result, the activities of locals and local businesses.
When that has been made quite clear, if some want to try and ignore that, do not be surprised that the police act to stop it.
This sort of action will re-inforce the current Ineos injunction, and will probably result in others being served.
The will of the people is not determined by a number of people being willful.
“Policing is supposed to be with the consent of those of us who pay their wages.” I think you will find that is bribery and corruption, somewhat different to upholding the law.
‘“Policing is supposed to be with the consent of those of us who pay their wages.” I think you will find that is bribery and corruption, somewhat different to upholding the law.’
Are you insinuating that taxpayers are practicing bribery and corruption MC; shame on you.
The will of the people? NYCC passed the project, Kevin Hollinrake was returned with an increased majority, the EA, the HSE and PHE + water companies are all satisfied the science is good.
Petitions get a few thousand signatures, from all over. The bulk of people dont care, so its the duty of the police to prevent a few misinformed ideologues from obstructing a perfectly safe, approved and sensible development.
How many would complain if their power was cut off, or there was no gas for heating? Probably all of the protesters, who use gas on the camp anyway
.
http://www.energylivenews.com/2017/09/20/uks-oil-and-gas-reserves-may-only-last-a-decade/
On contrary to the claim of some of the contributors on this site UK oil gas reserves may only last a mere 10 years. So we are not awashed with oil/gas as some claim.
Wait until the good people of Yorkshire realise these persons may be eliminating the chance of a new motor factory in the N. East and the associated jobs and income.(See Ineos announcement yesterday.) Probably then apply for injunctions themselves.
Antis will propose they are not linked. Well, they are. As I stated yesterday, the big boys play hardball.
Yes, TW, and the “alternative” means we will be all out of gannets around the same time. Trashing the planet, disgraceful.
Me ? Trashing the planet? Noooo.
You mean the bird chopper mill?
MARTIN, I am very pleased to inform you that Fracking ” going ahead or not going ahead ” in the North East will have NOTHING to do with the CEO of INEOS , Mr Jim Ratcliffe decision as to where in the world his plans for a new type of vehicle is manufactured.
In a statement from Mr Ratcliffe, he said he would be looking for, one of government financial support to get this vehicle manufacturing project of the ground in the UK.
Mr Ratcliffe then went on to say that , quote, ” while INEOS was emotionally attached to the UK, economic rationality would win the day.”
SO THERE you have it Martin , from the boss himself…. It is NOT fracking that will decide where this vehicle is produced.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/we-want-to-crack-the-reliability-problem-british-chemicals-giant-in-bid-to-make-electric-4wd-for-australian-market-20170920-gyktm4.html
This is a very welcomed project. We should all get behind Mr Ratcliffe in the hope that he is given the support he needs, to get his idea of vehicle production in the UK up and running
I suspect this is just another way to get a nice subsidy from the govt to build a new toy for the rich. Landrover was sold as it could not be made profitable here, now the new owners are trying to get shut; says a lot.
I heard Mr R on Radio 4 the other morning, made me wonder how this man of vagueness and old news managed to make so much UK tax free money….
Good morning Ruth.
Hope you’re well?
Great photo by Craig Ingham of lancashire and yorkshire flags uniting outside PNR on his Facebook page. Craig says use it if you wish?
Regards,
Peter.
Fingers crossed for court results any day now!
Get Outlook for Android
TW-my comment was directed at those who blindly promote the “alternatives” without recognising they have some problems-putting it mildly. The good against evil brigade-not your good self.
Apart from mincing gannets, it now looks as if that particular site will end up costing around double per MW of other off-shore sites because the RSPB have delayed it, so the agreed historic tariff will hold. It really is beyond farce.
Thanks Martin.
Jack-government “support” comes in several different forms. Your innocence in these matters is rather refreshing, but very wide of the reality.
I hope, and suspect, the vehicle plant will go ahead in the UK, because longer term the reduction in the value of the £, which was over valued, plus exit from the EU will assist exports to the markets that will utilise this product.
MARTIN , your lack of knowledge in the real world is deeply concerning.
For the record, I have a full understanding of UK economics.
I suggest you very carefully read what you put in your above post at 10.08am this morning, then carefully read what Mr Ratcliffe has said in his statement on the above link.
Trying to TWIST what has now been said, will only serve as a laughing platform for all the readers .
Mr Ratcliffe said , quote, ” we’re talking one-off capital not ongoing subsidies because we’re going to make a success of this and be profitable.”
ONE-OFF, it’s all in the wording.
Ha ha , how many decades do you think this business man can wait for the fracking industry project to bare £300-400 million fruit ??
Mr Ratcliffe is talking about needing help NOW with the £300-400 million project .
Martin, do you think that he should be given immediate government support to get this very worthy car manufacturing project of the ground ????
I don’t support this Jack; this guy is a billionaire. If he wants to build a new fossil fueled ‘boy’s toy’ let him put his money where his mouth is…Not sure your average tax payer wants to support another ‘flash in the pan’.
If he is really interested in future cars and a profitable sustainable vehicle, he should be looking to build a UK affordable electric or hydrogen powered car; that would warrant subsidies and should create a lot of long term real jobs.
Jack-that really is not worth me answering. If you wish to believe what you have posted, then that is your choice, and you can keep posting similar. You may not be a laughing stock as a result-it all depends on who reads your posts.
There is no twisting, just my understanding of support is different to your rather simplistic one. £500m projects involve a great deal of negotiation with governments, especially if 10k jobs might result. I have been involved in businesses who made much smaller capital investments in countries, producing far fewer tax revenues and jobs, and you might be surprised what those companies seek in return, especially if a government may not be tied up in EU red tape with reference to “support”. You certainly do not become a £ billionaire if you do otherwise.
Neither of us are likely to find out the details of negotiation, but I suspect there will be a few clues over coming months.