Rig occupation at Third Energy’s KM8 fracking site in Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire, 21 October 20117. Photo: Leigh Coghill
Updated 6.30pm with new information and pictures
Three opponents of Third Energy’s plans to frack at Kirby Misperton in North Yorkshire occupied the workover rig at the site early this morning.
The action comes as Third Energy has given notice of its intention to begin hydraulic fracturing later this week. (See Notice of fracking at the end of this post)
North Yorkshire Police said officers were called at about 3am by site security who reported three people had gained access to the site. Third Energy has condemned the protest.
A police statement issued on Facebook just before midday said:
“Two men and a woman climbed onto a platform 60ft up a rig inside the site and have remained there since.”
“Once again, emergency services resources will have to be deployed to deal with this situation”.
Since then, at 3.45pm, one of the men has come down. He was arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage. Third Energy has provided safety harnesses to the remaining two campaigners.
Rig protest at Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton, 21 October 2017. Photo: Kirby Misperton Protection Camp
Rig protest at Third Energy’s fracking site at Kirby Misperton, 21 October 2017. Photo: Eddie Thornton
The campaigners posted short videos this morning explaining that they have food, blankets and a tarpaulin. They said in a statement at 3.30pm:
“This is both a local and international emergency. It’s not just about Kirby Misperton – once fracking happens in one area of the UK, the rest of the country will be affected. We had no choice, democracy is being overruled again and again and the government and corporations are ignoring our wishes. We have no choice but to stand up and mobilize, take action!
Protest on rig platform at Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton site, 21 October 2017. Photo: Eddie Thornton
The statement added:
“It is loud up here because of the wind and there is a movement in the rig. We have a tarp so we hope to stay dry as possible. We also have supplies and we will be here for as long as possible, as long as it takes for Third Energy, other fracking companies, and the government to listen.”
On the ground, other campaigners have been sending messages to the people on the rig by megaphone. Messages are also being attached to the site fences.
Protest at the Kirby Misperton site fence, 21 October 2017. Photo: Eddie Thornton
Protest at the Kirby Misperton fence, 21 October 2017. Photo: Eddie Thornton
Campaigners talking to people on the Third Energy rig from the ground, 21 October 2017. Photo: Eddie Thornton
Earlier today, the campaigners posted pictures from the rig platform.
Third Energy condemns protest
Third Energy issued a statement at 11am today
“Third Energy can confirm that one female and two males have broken into the KMA live gas well site in Kirby Misperton early on the morning of 21 October. The intruders have climbed up the workover rig, currently mobilised to the KM8 well, and are occupying the platform known as the monkey board.
“The company strongly condemns this reckless action that potentially has serious health and safety consequences for both the intruders and the people working on the site. In particular, the intruders have been advised by police loud hailer of the serious risk created by open flames and sparks on a live gas site.
“The current work programme with the rig has been completed and the rig is ready to be demobilised.”
Third Energy made a second statement at about 5.30pm:
North Yorkshire Police said it needed to take action when peaceful protest turned to what it described as “deliberate acts that are unlawful, cause unreasonable disruption to others or are dangerous”. It added:
“Our immediate concern is the safety and welfare of the protesters. Officers are on site assessing the situation.
“If the safety of those on the rig is put at risk then we will take appropriate action to bring the protest to safe conclusion.”
“Compelled to take a strong and visible stand”
In a statement this morning, the rig campaigners on the rig issued statement explaining the reason for the protest:
“We took this action because we feel compelled to make a strong and visible stand against this industry which threatens so much for all of us and future generations; drinkable water, clean air and the very stability of the land beneath our feet are in danger.
“Fracking only benefits a few at the expense of the many. We want to inspire others and demonstrate the power we have when we take a stand.”
The Kirby Misperton Protection Camp, which has been protesting against Third Energy since December 2016, said this morning:
“Our community has fought fracking within the planning and legal systems for years, and continues to do so whilst our evidence and testimony is thoroughly disregarded. The company currently has permission to work 24 hours a day 7 days a week, so this weekend’s action has effectively closed them down.
“The fracking of our communities is not acceptable to us, and this industry provides no answer to the serious problem of energy security in times of a climate emergency. Whilst we fight for a sustainable approach to our national resources, we are taking responsibility for their protection.
“This peaceful, non-violent action harms no-one.”
Third Energy’s workover rig at the Kirby Misperton fracking site, 21 October 2017. Photo: Eddie Thornton
Notice of fracking
A letter emerged yesterday, sent by Third Energy’s planning consultant to North Yorkshire County Council giving notice that fracking would begin from next week.
The letter said:
“This letter constitutes notice under the agreed Deed dated 11th September 2017, that our client, Third Energy UK Gas Limited, will commence Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation and Testing, the KMA wellsite, on or after 26th October 2017.”
This will be the first use of high volume hydraulic fracturing in the UK since the process at Cuadrilla’s Preese Hall well led to small earthquakes in April and May 2011.
Two days ago, the energy minister, Richard Harrington, said the government was assessing the application for hydraulic fracturing consent from Third Energy and would “respond appropriately in due course.”
He was responding to a question by shadow energy secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey.
In another question yesterday, Ms Long Bailey asked for applications for fracking consent and the government’s assessment to be published.
Mr Harrington replied:
“The majority of information contained in a hydraulic fracturing consent application will already be in the public domain. The Department [of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy] plans to publish its response, as appropriate, an in line with its obligations under the Environmental Information Regulations.”
- We are updating this post with new details as they become available
Categories: Opposition
DRILL OR DROP? 
These idiots are trespassing and should be arrested and removed ASAP
Just another mark of the increasing desperation of this pathetic movement. What is achieved by this action other than putting lives at risk? It brings some attention to a few malcontents who have never been able to achieve attention via a positive contribution to society – but that doesn’t seem to justify the action. These are very selfish people. They believe that their moral agenda is superior to that of society, and they are willing to force society to conform to their views.
[Edited by moderator] Facts mean nothing to this group, nor does democratic process. They harbor an anger and a warped sense of reality that is stunning to the rest of society.
AWESOME DIRECT ACTION ,THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS ECOCIDLE MADNESS, SO SOME ARE SAYING
Superb
If Third Energy can’t even stop three protesters from climbing onto the rig, what chance of TE preventing any well leaks, and how does this stack up with the promised “gold standard monitoring”?!
This unneeded and unwanted industry has been pulverised by the resolve of tens of thousands standing together in opposition to corporate greed and bullying.
With share prices plummeting, and the Government re think on the benefits of renewable energy, onshore UK shale gas is doomed.
These protesters understand that disregard for the common good which underpins the selfish and hypocritical desire for profit which shale represents. We owe them immense gratitude and admiration for their bravery on all our behalf.
When oh when will the penny drop? #WeSaidNo
Wonder how long it’ll take for the industry’s regular cavalry to gallop in here and blindly argue that shale gas is great & black is white!
Why would Third Energy, or Cuadrilla, or Ineos etc. be worried about this?? Might excite a few, but will be superb footage and reference going forward for the exploration companies.
I think what the genuine local protestors will find they “owe them” is something else altogether. The media is already starting to point out these protests have been hijacked with a totally different agenda. That will be much more interesting for them to follow up, and they will.
Superb footage in what way Martin? It shows how these strategic security services are much more interested in gathering intelligence than protecting the public or the site itself. I’d be surprised if someone on the strategic security team hasn’t allowed them in!
I
Watching these people set off what appear to be flares and using mobile phones on a live gas site, which comes under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres 2002 regulations (DSEAR). Regulations which aim to control and prohibit the use of ignition sources such as matches, lighters, batteries, mobile phones etc. Just act as a sad reminder of just how little they actually know or understand about the industry.