Cuadrilla’s shale gas site at Preston New Road, 27 September 2017. Photo: DrillOrDrop
DrillOrDrop’s October 2017 digest of news about fracking, shale and onshore oil and gas updated daily.
Click here for headlines from previous months
Top headlines in October 2017
- Scottish Parliament backs SNP on fracking ban vote
- Campaigners challenge INEOS at the High Court over protest injunction
- Report finds that Third Energy failed to carry out proper pre-fracking monitoring at Kirby Misperton
- Cuadrilla seeks permission for night deliveries at Preston New Road site but extension at Becconsall is blocked
- Woodsetts villagers send “gag” photo to Downing Street in protest at INEOS plans
- Angus gets OGA approval for Brockham oil production but announces planning bid for site
- ASA upholds a complaint against INEOS but drops two others
- Police drag 85-year-old woman across Preston New Road and move Kirby Misperton “tea lady”
- Surrey councillors block Leith Hill traffic plan but approve drilling/testing at Horse Hill
- Cement bond problems at Broadford Bridge
31 October 2017
INEOS dossier of social media posts and video used to support protest injunction. DrillOrDrop report. The Guardian, Energy Voice, ITV
Third Energy failed to carry out proper monitoring a Yorkshire fracking site – new report for Friends of the Earth. DrillOrDrop report.
Europa predicts planning success at Wressle and 500 barrels of oil per day. DrillOrDrop report on company accounts (30/10/2017)
Two charged after wooden towers were erected at Kirby Misperton fracking site. The Yorkshire Post reports that a 56-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were charged with causing a danger to road users. The woman was also charged with obstructing a police officer.
We need to talk about fracking now to stop it happening in Lincolnshire, urge campaigners. Lincolnshire Live reports anti-fracking campaigners from Frack Free Lincolnshire are demanding public talks with councils in a bid to stop acid fracking at Fiskerton and Biscathorpe in East LIndsey.
30 October 2017
New round in battle over Cuadrilla’s Roseacre Wood fracking plans. DrillOrDrop report on pre-inquiry meeting.
Challenge begins tomorrow to INEOS injunction against fracking protests. DrillOrDrop preview of High Court hearing
Platform on the route to Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton fracking site, 30 October 2017. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
Opponents block road to Third Energy’s North Yorkshire fracking site with two wooden platforms. DrillOrDrop report, ITV, Minster FM, Gazette and Herald, York Press
29 October 2017
Cuadrilla seeks permission for night-time deliveries at Preston New Road shale gas site. DrillOrDrop report
Emails reveal Cuadrilla’s plans to change rules not behaviour after fracking drill rig breach. DeSmogUK
What’s happening this week? DrillOrDrop listing on key events for fracking, onshore oil and gas and campaigns against them.
Yorkshire village takes on Swiss petrochemical giant over fracking injunction. Channel 4 News reports from Woodsetts in South Yorkshire over reaction to the INEOS injunction.
Forget fracking and forge a future. Gill Orme, writing to the Gazette and Herald, says “It has been upsetting to see and experience the scenes of conflict between police and protesters at the gates of the Kirby Misperton fracking site. She says the protesters have the moral high-ground. Sustainable energy production is the only sensible way forward, she says.
“We simply cannot continue to plunder the earth’s resources until we have used up every last drop and certainly not with the knowledge we have of the damaging environmental impact of fossil fuels”
Case against man accused of obstructing the highway is dropped. The York Press reports prosecutors have dropped the case against a 53-year-old man who allegedly obstructed the highway on 20 September 2017 outside Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton site.
28 October 2017
Boss of British chemicals giant claims bans on fracking are “madness” and would deprive downtrodden areas in north of England of billions of pounds in investment. This is Money reports on comments by Tom Crotty, a director at INEOS. According to the website he said lucrative licences for shale gas have already begun to create huge investment in the US – and Britain could follow suit.
27 October 2017
Cuadrilla announces £4.7m spending in Lancashire. DrillOrDrop report, Blackpool Gazette (30/10/2017)
4 ‘lock’on protesters cut out and arrested. DrillOrDrop’s protest update, Gazette and Herald, Yorkshire Post, ITV
Elton residents unhappy at potential fracking zone. The Chester Chronicle reports on reaction at an IGas drop-in event. The paper says residents were concerned to learn that a potential exploration zone covered most of Elton, a primary school and industrial sites.
Officers from Durham and Northumbria forces drafted in as North Yorkshire fracking protest swells. North Yorkshire Police report other police forces have provided 25 officers to support policing at Kirby Misperton on 26 October and 27 October. The force said this was “due to the large number of protestors coming to the village from outside the area. The Northern Echo reports on the lock-on at Kirby Misperton (see above) and policing by officers from Northumbria, Durham and Humberside at the North Yorkshire fracking protests.
Fylde fracking appeal hearing looms. The Blackpool Gazette reports on a pre-inquiry meeting to prepare for the reopening of the inquiry into Cuadrilla’s plans to explore for shale gas at Roseacre Wood.
Scottish fracking ban official after Holyrood vote. The Falkirk Herald reports on the vote in the Scottish Parliament in favour of an indefinite moratorium on fracking.
Egdon Resources completes acquisition of producing Fiskerton Airfield oil field in Lincolnshire. Digital Look reports Egdon has acquired 100% and operatorship of the Fiskerton oil field from Cirque Energy for $750,000, effective from 1 January 2017. Energy Voice
26 October 2017
Fracking risks undermining UK climate commitments, environmental groups tell minister. DrillOrDrop report
Kirby Misperton fracking demo police ‘heavy-handed‘. BBC News reports on a video which shows a campaigner being pulled over by a police officer at fracking protests in North Yorkshire. Protester Roy Openshaw said: “I was just standing there, suddenly I was finding myself being pulled over.” The police say it has yet to receive a complaint.
Eight anti-fracking protesters in court. DrillOrDrop protest update, The York Press .
25 October 2017
Lancashire refuses to again extend planning permission at Cuadrilla shale gas site. DrillOrDrop report, Lancashire Evening Post (27/10/2017)
Woodsetts villagers to send INEOS fracking protest picture to Downing Street. DrillOrDrop report
Protest at Woodsetts against INEOS injunction and shale gas plans, 25 October 2017. Photo: DrillOrDrop
Theresa May backs fracking again at Prime Minister’s Questions. DrillOrDrop report
Angus Energy to apply for planning consent for Brockham oil well. DrillOrDrop report, Proactive Invvestors, City Am, Energy Voice
Advertising watchdog upholds one complaint against INEOS Shale but dismisses two others. DrillOrDrop report, Proactive Invvestors, City Am, Energy Voice
Guest post by DeSmog UK: Cuadrilla’s fracking vehicles took wrong turn 115 times in three months, documents reveal. Reposted on DrillOrDrop
Lorry protest at Kirby Misperton blocks access to Third Energy’s fracking site. DrillOrDrop protest update
Study: Fracking chemicals harm kids’ brains. Ecowatch reports on a new study in Reviews on Environmental Health which studied air and water pollutants widely used in or byproducts of unconventional hydrocarbon development and operations. The researchers found that early life exposure to them had been linked to potentially permanent learning and neuropsychological deficits, Ecowatch says. Energy Voice
Fracking protester arrested after climbing onto lorry. DrillOrDrop protest update, ITV News, Northern Echo
IGas shareholdings. Stock News Times reports that IGas chief executive, Stephen Bowler, acquired 664 shares in the company.
Cuadrilla are not wanted, say residents. The Shoreham Herald reports on Cuadrilla’s planning application to test its oil well at Balcombe. 24hr Gold
Judge sentences anti-fracking campaigners who ‘glued gate’ at Penwortham firm’s site. The Lancashire Evening Post reports that five anti-fracking campaigners have been banned from going within 500m of the gates of A-Plant, in Penwortham, near Preston, after a pop up protest in June. The company supplied products to Cuadrilla at its shale gas operations in Lancashire. The paper says three of the protesters Calum Eden, Michaela Smith and Shona Sutherland was ordered to 80 hours of unpaid work. Barbara Cookson and Ashley Robinson were ordered to do 60 hours. They were also ordered to pay £335 in costs and victim surcharge.
24 October 2017
Scottish parliament backs indefinite moratorium on fracking. DrillOrDrop report, BBC News, The Scotsman (preview), Energy Voice, Common Space, Holyrood.com, BBC News
“Burning throat, nausea, headaches: the effect on my family from a smell at Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton site”. First person account told to DrillOrDrop about what happened when a family in Kirby Misperton was affected by a smell from Third Energy’s fracking site.
North Yorkshire seeks government assurances over cost of policing fracking protests. DrillOrDrop report,Proactive Invvestors, City Am, Energy Voice
23 October 2017
Angus announces go-ahead for oil production at disputed Brockham side-track. DrillOrDrop report. Doriemus statement, UpstreamOnline, Proactive Investors
Drilling the Brockham sidetrack, January 2017. Photo: Brockham Protection Camp
Council confirms Angus oil production scheme at Brockham does not have planning permission. DrillOrDrop on reaction to Angus Energy’s announcement on its go-ahead for oil production.
A complex tale of thumper trucks, leaks and dirty bath water. DrillOrDrop report on water problems in the area where INEOS has been carrying out seismic testing.
Police move two anti-fracking campaigners taking part in a lock-on on the route to Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton site. DrillOrDrop protest update, Yorkshire Post
Lorry protest outside Cuadrilla’s shale gas site near Blackpool. DrillOrDrop protest update
Campaigners pledge to put their lives on the line as fracking operation edges closer. ITV reports Anti-fracking campaigners have pledged to put their lives on the line to stop a company drilling for shale gas in North Yorkshire – after seeing a letter saying work on site will start ‘on or after Thursday’ (26 October 2017).
Campaigners ask for details on drilling at Lidsey. Chichester and Bognor Green Party have written to Angus Energy and West Sussex County Council for details of chemicals used at Angus Energy’s oil production site at Lidsey. A spokesperson said:
“There is a very real fear that due to large amounts of hidden oil in this area, activity such as this will become more widespread. We believe there is a need to prevent this happening, and concentrate on cleaner methods of energy generation.”
22 October 2017
Campaigner brought to ground from Kirby Misperton rig. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
Campaigners brought down from rig platform at Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton after 30 hours. DrillOrDrop report, The Guardian, BBC News, Yorkshire Post, Northern Echo
Rotherham: INEOS protest, application and council fracking ban. DrillOrDrop report on forthcoming protest about INEOS application and injunction, plus Rotherham decision on fracking on council-owned land. Rotherham Advertiser (23/10/2017)
D-Day looms on the fracking front line of Kirby Misperton. The Sunday Times reports on permit breaches at Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton site. The paper details the already-known release of 74,000 cubic metres of gas in 2015, along with the leak of 100 litres of acid flushed into a local watercourse and the unlicensed pumping of glycol into a waste disposal well in 2003. The company was also criticised in 1998 and 203 for having no recognised environmental management system. The company said all its operations were “stringently regulated”.
Protest camp is in residents’ interests. Cllr Paul Andrews, writing in the Gazette and Herald, says Third Energy’s KM8 fracking plan is already having an impact on property values. “Perhaps this explains why so many residents donate fresh and cooked food and drinking water to the camp”, he writes. He adds:
“I believe it is in the interest of every resident that the protest should succeed.”
Turn fire on firm. Peter Winter, also writing in the Gazette and Herald, says his life in Kirby Misperton is carrying on as normal. He advises critics of the protesters to turn their fire on Third Energy.
21 October 2017
Rig protest at Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton fracking site, 21 October 2017. Photo: Eddie Thornton
Campaigners occupy Third Energy’s rig at Kirby Misperton site as company gives notice of fracking plans. DrillOrDrop report, ITV, BBC News, Yorkshire Post, Belfast Telegraph and others via PA, Gazette and Herald, York Press
Village fracking a no-go, warns Lord Howell. The Telegraph reports a warning by Lord Howell, father in law of former Chancellor George Osborne, that the “UK’s nascent shale industry could face certain death if frackers keep targeting prospects near towns and villages. He said it would be “unwise” and “uneconomic” to persist in fracking plans where developers are likely to face higher costs and local opposition. “British fracking needs to be extremely efficient to compete with US imports,” he tells the paper. Local opposition delayed projects “and time means money”.
Fracking protesters return to fray. The Times reports fracking is about to resume in England six years after it was suspended for causing minor earthquakes in Lancashire.
Scottish Greens leading change – Harvie. BBC News reports on a speech by Patrick Harvie that Scottish Greens are leading Scotland towards a ‘fairer and greener’ future. The Herald, The Times
Proper ban on fracking would end legal concerns, Green MSP says. The Evening Express reports on the Scottish Green Party conference which unanimously backed a call to the Scottish government to make its indefinite moratorium on fracking “legally watertight”.
Third environmental permit breach this year by Cuadrilla at Lancs fracking site. Spinwatch reports that new documents released by the Environment Agency reveal that Cuadrilla breached environmental controls in August. This is the third breach since work began at the Preston New Road site in January. In the most recent, Cuadrilla failed to store drilling waste correctly.
20 October 2017
SCDM cuts stake in UKOG again. French natural gas firm, SCDM Energy, owned by the billionaire Bouygues family, has cut its stake in UK Oil and Gas Investments plc, the company exploring for oil at Broadford Bridge and Horse Hill. UKOG announces that voting rights attached to SCDM Energy shares in the company had dropped from 3.05% to 2.55%
Company addresses concerns over ‘secret’ oil drilling in Lidsey. The Bognor Regis Observer on Angus Energy’s response to calls for more transparency about its well site at Lidsey.
19 October 2017
Cuadrilla seeks planning consent again to test Balcombe oil well, West Sussex. DrillOrDrop report, Energy Voice, The Argus
SCDM Energy cuts stake in UKOG. UK Oil & Gas Investments plc announces that the voting rights linked to SCDM Energy has fallen from 4.94% to 3.04%.
Four appear in court in connection with fracking protests. The York Press reports that four people denied obstructing the highway outside Third Energy’s fracking site at a preliminary court case at York Magistrates Court. No date has been set for the trials. BBC News
Fracking protesters guilty of trespass. Blackpool Gazette reports that a group of anti-fracking campaigners who had to be cut from a plastic pipe at A-Plant, near Preston, were found guilty of trespass. They are to be sentenced on October 24-25. Earlier report from the Blackpool Gazette
Why we should follow our neighbours and say no to fracking – an energy policy from the dark ages. Chris Redston, writing to The Yorkshire Post, says the “unprecedented level of military-style policing” at Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton indicates “the determination of the government to force fracking upon unwilling communities, come what may”. He says:
“Scotland wasn’t convinced by this argument, and nor is the rest of the UK. It’s time to call a halt to fracking and embrace renewables, before Yorkshire is forced to suffer the consequences.”
Delay to Holmwood. Europa Oil & Gas, the operator of the Holmwood wellsite, also known as Bury Hill Wood or Leith Hill, says drilling will now begin in the first half of 2018 following the decision by Surrey County Council to defer a decision on the traffic management plan. Directors’ Talk, Stock Market Wire, Upstream Online, Proactive Investors, Get Surrey
Government assessing fracking bid. Energy minister, Richard Harrington, says the government is assessing the Third Energy fracking application and would “respond appropriately in due course.” He was responding to a question by shadow energy secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey. TheyWorkForYou.com
Fund launched for Kirby Misperton farm. DrillOrDrop protest update report
Lock-on protests at Kirby Misperton. Four people took part in two separate lock-on protests, blocking the road before and after Third Energy’s fracking site. DrillOrDrop protest update report, The York Press, The Yorkshire Post
This is what it looks like inside a fracking site. The Nottingham Post reports on its tour of well pads in south west Pennsylvania.
People are claiming a fracking company contaminated their drinking water. So Dennis Skinner just waded in. The Canary reports on yesterday’s question by MP Dennis Skinner (see below)
18 October 2017
MP calls for investigation into water problems in Bolsover seismic testing area. DrillOrDrop report, Derbyshire Times
Reaction to approval of drilling and testing plans for Horse Hill oil site in Surrey. DrillOrDrop report. Alliance News, Proactive Investors
Surrey councillors approve extra drilling and testing at Horse Hill oil site. DrillOrDrop report
Europa’s fencing plan for Leith approved by Surrey councillors. DrillOrDrop report
Surrey councillors defer decision on lorry plans and fencing scheme for Leith Hill oil site. DrillOrDrop report. Angus Energy statement
“Gagged” residents protest outside meeting to discuss Surrey oil drilling scheme. DrillOrDrop report
Photo: Dan Harvey
Bolton campaigners call on government to say no to fracking near Blackpool. The Bolton News reports two groups, Bolton Friends of the Earth and Bolton Against Fracking, asked people to sign postcards calling on the energy secretary, Greg Clark, not to grant fracturing consent for Cuadrilla’s shale gas site at Preston Near Road.
17 October 2017
What future for fracking? With fracking just weeks away, DrillOrDrop reviews new predictions about the future role of shale gas in the UK.
Lorry protest near Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton site in North Yorkshire. DrillOrDrop Protest update
16 October 2017
Government considering fracking consent and cash for protest policing. DrillOrDrop report
UKOG shares rise on Broadford Bridge statement. DrillOrDrop report. Energy Voice
INEOS announces new Chief Executive for INEOS Shale. DrillOrDrop report. Energy Voice, The Telegraph, FT, Bloomberg New Energy Finance
North Yorkshire police specialist team at Kirby Misperton fracking site where campaigners installed a pre-fabricated observation tower. DrillOrDrop protest update, Minster FM, Yorkshire Post, Gazette and Herald, The York Press
Update on Lidsey-x2 production well. Doriemus, an investor in the Angus-operated Lidsey-X2 well in West Sussex, has issued a statement to investors. This is based on the Angus statement issued on 13 October 2017.
Excessive and bullying police tactics show how the fracking debate is being lost in the UK. Left Foot Forward carries a report by Keith Taylor MEP about a visit to the Kirby Misperton fracking protests.
Fracking industry aims for two milestones. Big Issue North reports from anti-fracking protests in Lancashire and North Yorkshire.
News: Rotherham council consider fracking ban. RothBiz reports that Rotherham Council is to debate a motion on Wednesday 18 October from the ruling Labour group to commit the council not to allow fracking activities on council land. See also DrillOrDrop diary for details
15 October 2017
Lock-on protest in new observation tower at Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton in North Yorkshire. DrillOrDrop protest update
Point made protesters – now get out of the way. David Hoggard, writing to the Gazette and Herald, says protest behaviour is not “helpful or edifying”, whatever the rights and wrongs of fracking. He says it “will not succeed, since the trial will certainly go ahead, no matter what the protesters might wish.”
SNP veteran Jim Sillars calls for ‘rethink’ on fracking ban. BBC News reports comments by former SNP deputy leader, Jim Sillars, that the party should ‘think again’ on its attitude to fracking. he told the Sunday Politics Scotland programme:
“I think the Scottish public didn’t really know that there was a major consultation going on, which allowed the green movement to ramp up to 99% against fracking. Joe Stalin used to get figures like that as well.”
Fracking ban fails to allay fears. The Carluke Gazette reports on calls to make the indefinite moratorium on fracking in Scotland into a legal ban.
Limerick council bids to block “hazardous” proposals. The Limerick Leader reports councillors are seeking to change the county-wide development plan to “ban the development of incineration, gasification, fracking and other environmentally damaging and destructive industries in Limerick”.
UK Oil & Gas Investments plc could still make you brilliantly rich. The Motley Food reports on recent news at UKOG’s Broadford Bridge site. The article says that despite the problems with cement bonds “the company could still produce enormous returns for investors. It’s all a question of risk and reward”. The author says the company’s chances of survival are 50/50.
14 October 2017
Protests about fracking and climate change in Nottingham and Sheffield. DrillOrDrop protest update, West Bridgford Wire, Sheffield Live, Sheffield Star (15/10/2017), Portsmouth News (15/10/2017)
Proactive oil news highlights. Proactive Investors reports on the Angus Energy update issued on 13 October 2017.
Public opinion is not evidence, says new critic of fracking ban. The Times reports another scientist has accused SNP ministers of being selective in choosing evidence to justify their decision to ban fracking. Susan Waldron, of the University of Glasgow, said that while the Scottish government pointed to strong feelings in a public consultation over the ban, and some other studies, it was not clear how additional commissioned reports had been taken into account.
13 October 2017
N Yorks fracking company misses accounts deadline for second year. DrillOrDrop report
Lidsey oil well drilled on time – Angus statement. DrillOrDrop report, Proactive Investors
Villagers to be surveyed on Kirby Misperton fracking fund. DrillOrDrop report
Lock-on at Cuadrilla’s shale gas site over protest policing in Lancashire and North Yorkshire. DrillOrDrop protest update, Blackpool Gazette
Police show their true colours at fracking protest. Jenny Jones, a Green Party peer, writing in The Guardian, says:
“When the police forcibly remove a 79-year-old woman for serving refreshments to fracking protesters, you know they have taken sides (Report, 11 October). Having wasted their time and our money dragging pensioners around, the Lancashire constabulary has asked the Home Office for an extra £3.1m to cover the cost of drafting in police from Somerset and Wales. It is time for the policing operation at New Preston Road to be scaled back, or called off altogether. The police are helping to impose a government decision to frack, which is opposed by local residents at every level of local government. The police should go back to patrolling the streets and arresting criminals, instead of defending corporate interests by harassing the protesters.”
Horse Hill follow ups Lidsey and Broadford Bridge have shown promise but there’s still a lot more to do. Proactive Investors reports that there are signs of success at the West Sussex wells at Broadford Bridge and Lidsey but the markets want to see material production statistics.
Battle of Ince Marshes looms as frackers and anti-frackers square up. The Chester Chronicle reports on the first application for fracking in Cheshire – IGas’s plans for Ince Marshes at Elton
Government adviser accuses SNP of ignoring science over fracking ban. The Times reports that Chris Masters, a former Scottish government advisers, has accused the SNP of ignoring scientists and seeking to stifle expert views. The paper quotes Dr Masters, Dr Masters, who chaired an expert group on unconventional oil and gas extraction, or fracking, set up by SNP ministers, said that he would be reluctant to take part in future research commissioned by the government because of a policy approach he described as “sad for Scotland”.
12 October 2017
Police promise to review tactics after dragging 85-year-old woman across road from fracking site. DrillOrDrop report
Bridge replacement plan could help oil and gas developments in West Sussex, group fears. DrillOrDrop report
Broadford Bridge protests trial: Three convictions and one acquittal. DrillOrDrop report
Shale gas event highlights Fylde coast supply chain opportunities. The Blackpool Gazette reports on a Lancashire for Shale event at Burnley Football Club at which Cuadrilla boss, Francis Egan, told how the shale gas industry boss could boost manufacturing and engineering.
Fracking protestors lying in middle of road cut free and arrested. The York Press reports that two women were cut free at about 9.15am in Habton Road, Kirby Misperton and arrested for obstructing the highway. A 49-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting and obstructing a police officer.
Man ‘released under investigation’ as police probe reports of bullet at North Yorkshire fracking site. The Yorkshire Post reports that investigations are continuing into the arrest of a 53-year-old man who had a suspected bullet at the Kirby Misperton site made on 11 October.
UK Oil & Gas (LON:UKOG) bounces back after Broadford Bridge disappointment. The Investment Observer reports the UKOG share price rebounded on Thursday following sharp declines after the announcement of operational problems in the Broadford Bridge well.
11 October 2017
Decision on INEOS access to Notts council land for seismic testing delayed again. DrillOrDrop report
Six arrests outside Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton. DrillOrDrop protest update
100 people attend Labour Party rally at Third Energy’s fracking site. DrillOrDrop protest update
BNP Paribas rules out future work with shale and tar sands firms. Business Green and Bloomberg are among media outlets to report that France’s biggest listed bank will no longer help shale gas or oil firms from funding or business transactions as part of climate change pledges.
10 October 2017
Cement bond problems at UKOG’s Broadford Bridge oil exploration well – statement to investors. DrillOrDrop report, Alliance news, Energy Voice (11/10/2017),
Proactive Investors (11/10/2017)
“This is what it looks like when fracking comes to a Yorkshire village” – workover rig delivered to Kirby Mipserton. DrillOrDrop report
Environment Agency approves fracking plan for Third Energy’s N Yorkshire site at Kirby Misperton. DrillOrDrop
Date set for reopened public inquiry on Cuadrilla’s Lancashire fracking plans at Roseacre Wood. DrillOrDrop report, Blackpool Gazette
Scottish Transport Minister tells Tories to frack off. The Evening Express reports comments by Humza Yousaf, Scottish Transport Minister, that the failure to outlaw fracking south of the border would put the countryside and communities at risk.
Church of Scotland welcomes fracking ban. Energy Voice reports on reaction to the continuing moratorium on fracking.
“Terrible abuse” hurled at cops at Derbyshire fracking protest that has cost taxpayers £138K. The Derby Telegraph reports comments by Mark Pickard, chairman of Derbyshire Police Federation, that officers were regularly abused by protesters at PR Marriott in Old Pit Lane, Danesmoor, Clay Cross. Derbyshire Police said policing the protest had cost £138,109.38 in officers’ time.
Have your say on Ince Marshes research centre plans. The Chester Standard reports on drop-in meetings on Wednesday 11 October about the Cheshire Energy Research Field Site.
Time for Government to support clean and green energy. Members of Penrith and Eden Green Party, in a letter to the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald, congratulate the Scottish Government on the continuing moratorium on fracking.
9 October 2017
Police drag 85-year-old woman across road from Cuadrilla’s shale gas site. DrillOrDrop protest update
Police move Kirby Misperton tea lady from outside Third Energy’s fracking site. DrillOrDrop protest update, The Guardian, Metro, The Mirror, Yorkshire Post, Mail Online (all 10/10/2017)
Police move Jackie Brookes and her tea table from outside Third Energy’s fracking site. 9 October 2017. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
Police under scrutiny as officers remove campaigner from observation tower at North Yorkshire fracking site. DrillOrDrop report, Gazette and Herald.
Police at Kirby Misperton say they are not stopping people filming. Minster FM reports on the allegation that policing are trying to stop filming of their operation outside Third Energy’s fracking site.
Government says money for policing Lancashire fracking protests is “still under consideration“. DrillOrDrop report. Energy Voice and ITV (Lord Tebbit: Anti-racking nimbyism needs to be put down)
What’s happening this week? DrillOrDrop weekly diary of events about fracking and the onshore oil and gas industry
Lidsey BDF-28 drilling the Lidsey-x2 well through the Great Oolite reservoir. Angus Energy plc tweets an 11 second video of the drill rig operating at the Lidsey well site in West Sussex.
Greens ‘are changing the debate’, co-leader tells members. BBC News reports comments from Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party:
“We have changed the minds of other parties on fracking and we are changing the debate about a universal basic income.”
Opinion: Fracking ban – it is just politics. Tom Baxter, senior lecturer at University of Aberdeen, tells Energy Voice no amount of evidence-based material would have countered entrenched public opinion over fracking in Scotland. Opinions were formed, he said, by exposure to very poor media reporting and scaremongering.
8 October 2017
Kirby Misperton fracking firm: ‘We have a moral responsibility to show this can work’. The Yorkshire Post reports from Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton.
Anti-fracking campaigners build another observation tower. Minster FM reports on another wooden tower at the entrance to Third Energy’s fracking site in Kirby Misperton.
Filey MP talks fracking. Yorkshire Coast Radio talks to MP Kevin Hollinrake about fracking.
Anti-fracking campaigners build another observation tower. Minster FM reports that campaigners have built another wooden tower next to the KM8 fracking site at Kirby Misperton.
Time for a fracking meeting so views can be aired. Charles Boss, acting chair of Barlborough Against Fracking Group, urges the Derbyshire Times to facilitate a meeting on fracking. He says:
“We can all sit in our ivory towers, play verbal ping-pong on the letters pages, but the time has come to meet face to face on the battleground of informed public opinion.”
MP welcomes total ban on fracking in Scotland. The Kirkintilloch Herald reports comments from Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East MP, Stuart McDonald, that there was no case for approving fracking.
Let’s put the fracking ban into law. Mary Church of Friends of the Earth Scotland, writes:
“The Scottish Government’s fracking ban is fantastic news for communities and the environment. Now let’s secure it by making the ban legal. We urge the substantial anti-fracking majority in the Scottish Parliament to now work together to ensure the strongest and longest protection for the people of Scotland.”
Letters: Action is needed to protect democracy. Barry Gillespie, of Malton, writes to the Gazette and Herald, questions whether the presence of 50 police officers and imposition of what he calls “stringent constraints” on the protesters’ activities are impartial behaviour by the police.
“If it appears that our police are being used to facilitate a controversial fracking agenda, while hampering or discrediting legitimate protest, then there will need to be urgent action to protect democracy and the traditions of policing by consent.”
Speak up council. Lorraine Allanson, also writing to the Gazette and Herald, says villagers around Kirby Misperton have suffered “untold disruption” from road closures, noisy protesters, police presence and media frenzy. She asks what do protesters offer?
“When will the council and councillors support the people who do not support the protest camps”
The paper also has letters from Christopher Pickles and June Smith.
7 October 2017
YP Letters: Follow Maryland and Scots example and ban fracking here in Yorkshire. Russell Scott, writing to The Yorkshire Post, says Third Energy’s plans to frack at Kirby Misperton “ignore the risks now proven in the peer-reviewed scientific studies and continue to ignore the vast majority of our community who oppose fracking.” David Cragg-James, also writing to the paper, refers to MP Kevin Hollinrake’s use of the expression “mob rule” for anti-fracking protesters at Kirby Misperton. He says:
“The “mob” at Kirby Misperton, sadly seldom more than 20-30 strong for most of the day, is composed largely of retired people mixing with younger committed and inspiring souls and a welcome mixture of family groups, including mums with toddlers.”
6 October 2017
Cuadrilla hosts first webcast fracking site tour and Q&A from Preston New Road in Lancashire. DrillOrDrop picture post, Blackpool and Gazette, 2BR Radio
Fracking is dead, insists Sturgeon. The Times reports Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has insisted that fracking is being banned in Scotland. She had been challenged by Mark Ruskell, a Green MSP, to “get this ban properly over the line” by legislating to outlaw fracking.
Fracking ban a bid to appease Green Party. Allan Sutherland, writing to The Courier, says the “big driver” for First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to ban fracking is:
“Her desperation to retain the votes of six Green MSPs who between them at the last Holyrood elections won 13,172 first preference votes.”
Consultation on ban is a sham. Otto Inglis, also writing to The Courier, says the SNP “can’t sell the ban on either economic or even environmental grounds”.
Third Energy hoping to test UK’s fracking procedure in the coming weeks. Engineering and Technology states (incorrectly) that the first test fracking procedure in the UK is set to taking place at Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton site.
Fracking parliamentary groups hang up their hard hats. Spinwatch reports that two all party parliamentary groups on shale gas are not on the latest list.
5 October 2017
Campaigners vow to fight fracking as IGas announces new plans for Ince Marshes in Cheshire. DrillOrDrop report, BBC News, Chester Chronicle
North Yorkshire Police allow slow walk at Kirby Misperton. DrillOrDrop protest update, Gazette and Herald, Northern Echo
Third Energy to frack before the end of the year. John Dewar, chief operating officer of Third Energy, says the company plans to frack its Kirby Misperton well by the end of 2017. Times & Star, The Independent
Scots fracking ban puts opinion before fact, say academics. The Times reports comments by academics that the SNP ban on fracking is not justified by scientific evidence.
Everything you need to know: Scotland’s fracking moratorium. Energy Voice reports on the different views of the continuing moratorium on fracking in Scotland.
Fracking appeals: A pillar of the legal system or complete waste of our taxes? The Blackpool Gazette reports that a judge has called for the end of state aid to anti-fracking protesters fighting their cases in court in a bid to save tax-payers’ money. London-based District Judge Michael Snow was speaking after a two-day trial of eight campaigners arrested after a lock-on protest at Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road shale gas drill site. Inews
Eight anti-fracking protesters found guilty over lock-on at Preston New Road. The Blackpool Gazette reports that eight protesters were given a 12-month conditional discharge for obstructing the highway on 2 May 2017. All but one was ordered to pay £250 court costs.
Chester University invites Green Party leader to see renewable energy research in action. The Chester Chronicle reports that University of Chester vice chancellor Tim Wheeler has invited the Green Party to visit the Thornton Science Park. The University is in discussions with the British Geological Survey and Natural Environment Research Council about the UKGEOS underground observatory that could be based at Thornton.
4 October 2017
Broadford Bridge lock-on protesters found guilty of besetting. DrillOrDrop report
Police “misused” fire service to end N Yorks fracking protest – Fire Brigades Union. DrillOrDrop report
York MP vows to speak with police over concerns of ‘heavy-handedness’ at fracking protests. DrillOrDrop protest update, York Press, Minster FM, Gazette and Herald
Scaffolding firm from Whitby forced to cut a hole in their own fence after fracking protest. DrillOrDrop protest update, Gazette and Herald
Women’s Call and all faith Peaceful Assembly events at Preston New Road fracking site. DrillOrDrop protest update, Independent Catholic News, Blackpool Gazette
Leader comment: Fracking lacks public and political support. The Scotsman says “The Scottish Government now has to answer the question of how it will develop its energy strategy without fracking. It may fail this test, but a bigger failure would have been to ignore public opinion.
Theresa May: ‘Fracking has a role to play’. ITV News reports that Theresa May says fracking “has a role to play” in the British energy. She said work to extract shale gas needed to be properly regulated and communities should “benefit” from the process, but she did not agree with the Scottish government’s decision to ban it.
Scottish firm set to cash in on English fracking riches. Energy Voice reports that Aurora Energy Resources, based in Aberdeen, has licences covering 400km2 in northwest England.
How fracking is upending the chemical industry. Nature reports on how chemists are working out the best ways to convert shale gas compounds into products for modern living.
European Parliament: Say no to fossil fuel lobbying at international climate talks. DeSmog UK reports that the European Parliament voted for a motion that gives its delegation to the UN Framework Conventional of Climate Change meetings license to encourage countries to limit the access of organisations that could dampen the ambition of the process.
3 October 2017
Scotland’s energy minister, Paul Wheelhouse, announces the Scottish Government will not support fracking and the moratorium will be extended indefinitely. DrillOrDrop reports: Breaking news of the announcement, Scottish Parliament reaction, Reaction from industry, Reaction from campaign groups, Reaction from English campaigners
Other coverage: Energy Voice (Fracking ban ignores Scottish oil expertise, if SNP was in power in 60s would be ‘no oil industry’ claim experts); Energy Voice (INEOS Shale boss: Fracking decision by Scottish Government beggars belief – 4/10.2017) The Scotsman (INEOS on Scottish fracking ban: ‘England will reap benefits‘); The Scottish Sun (Scotland to ban fracking as government replaces current freeze on shale-gas drilling by completely outlawing the practice); The Herald (Ineos Shale: Fracking ban means Scotland will miss out on 3,100 jobs); The Canary (As Scotland bans fracking, protesters in England continue to face police violence); BBC News (Fracking ban: What is the situation in Wales?); The Guardian (Scottish government bans fracking after public opposition); Blackpool Gazette (Shale gas industry’s surprise at “poor” Scottish decision to ban fracking – 4/10/2017); Farmers Weekly (Fracking to be banned in Scotland ‘indefinitely’); DeSmog UK (Scotland promises to ban fracking ‘indefinitely’)
Green Party co-leader visits ‘front line’ against fracking at Kirby Misperton. DrillOrDrop protest update and The York Press
Kirby Misperton marks harvest festival at Third Energy’s fracking site. DrillOrDrop protest update
Gove: Climate policy must not come ‘at the expense of economic growth”. DeSmog UK reports that Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, told the Conservative Party Conference that, while is convinced climate change is a danger, efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions must not come at the expense of economic growth.
Catholic church to make record divestment from fossil fuels. The Guardian reports that More than 40 Catholic institutions are to announce the largest ever faith-based divestment from fossil fuels, on the anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. The sum involved has not been disclosed but the volume of divesting groups is four times higher than a previous church record, and adds to a global divestment movement, led by investors worth $5.5tn.
Campaigners plan anti-fracking vigil on Feast of St Francis. Independent Catholic News reports that campaigners plan anti-fracking vigil on Feast of St Francis on 4 October 2017.
2 October 2017
Police use fire engine hydraulic lift to remove campaigner from tower at Kirby Misperton fracking site plus details from lock-on protest. DrillOrDrop report
Campaigner on tower outside Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton, 2 October 2017. Photo: Eddie Thornton
Lock-on anti-fracking protest at Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton site. DrillOrDrop report, , BBC News (2/10/2017); BBC News (3/10/2017), The York Press (3/10.2017); ITV News; Northern Echo; Gazette and Herald
Researchers debate ideas for £8m study on fracking impacts. DrillOrDrop report
Sheffield sites identified for disposal of fracking waste. DrillOrDrop report, Sheffield Star
Green Party co-leader calls for parliamentary vote on fracking. DrillOrDrop protest update
Green Party co-leader, Jonathan Bartley, speaking to campaigners at Preston New Road, 2 October 2017. Photo: Frack Free Lancashire
Green Party leader urges University of Chester to back renewables not fracking. The Chester Chronicle reports co-leader, Jonathan Bartley, has written to the University of Chester saying it should have nothing to do with a geological research centre planned for Thornton Science Park. The facility, being consulted on by the British Geological Survey, will focus on investigating shale gas and carbon capture.
‘For Scotland’s sake don’t ban fracking’, says Grangemouth energy giant. The Scottish Herald reports comments by Tom Pickering, operations director of INEOS Shale in response to suggestions that the SNP was preparing to outlaw fracking (see 1/10/2017). The Times
Slinging mud: inside (and outside) the UK’s biggest fracking site. Adam Vaughan, of The Guardian, talks to protesters and staff at Cuadrilla’s shale gas site in Lancashire.
Nottinghamshire Labour councillors call for oil and gas refusals. The Labour group leader on Nottinghamshire County Council, Cllr Alan Rhodes, calls on the council to refuse any exploratory drilling, seismic testing or fracking on its land.
Voters back fracking bans despite pressure on states to drop them. The Guardian reports on polling by the Australian Institute which finds 49% of people support a moratorium on fracking in their state while 24% oppose.
1 October 2017
Revealed: SNP will ban fracking in Scotland. In an exclusive, Rob Edwards reports for the Sunday Herald that the Scottish Government is set to announce a ban on fracking. The report says ministers are putting the finishing touching to a permanent ban, replacing the moratorium which began in January 2015. The paper says it understands the announcement has long been pencilled in for this week, before the parliamentary recess and the SNP annual conference. There is a small risk the announcement may be postponed by last-minute legal complications, the paper says.
Campaigners at the Take Back Lancashire rally, 1 October 2017. Photo: Elspeth McRoberts
Anti-fracking campaigners join Take Back Manchester march on the opening day of the Conservative Party conferences. DrillOrDrop’s protest update, Salford Star
Categories: Daily headlines
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