Review of 2025 – the return of fracking?
Fracking for UK onshore oil and gas hit the headlines again during 2025.
Updated: MP calls for Balcombe oil licence to be withdrawn over water contamination fears
The government has been urged to withdraw the licence for oil operations at Balcombe in West Sussex because of the risk of water pollution.
West Newton fracturing heading for approval
Plans to carry out a lower-volume hydraulic fracture at the West Newton-A oil and gas site in East Yorkshire look likely to get the go-ahead.
Village meetings to discuss Egdon’s Yorkshire gas plan
Yorkshire villagers are meeting to discuss plans by Egdon Resources for gas drilling at Foxholes.
“No significant environmental impact” from gas drilling at Foxholes – planners
Plans to explore for gas near a village between Scarborough and Bridlington will not need a detailed environmental assessment, council officials have decided.
Residents challenge minister over oil testing in Balcombe
The West Sussex village that saw a summer of anti-fracking protests 10 years ago has taken the government to court over oil testing.
Gasland fracking firm faces criminal charges over water contamination
A US fracking company featured in the documentary Gasland has been charged with environmental offences following a two-year grand jury investigation.
Planners oppose oil test plans at Balcombe: “not in public interest” and “not appropriate to area”
Proposals to test the Balcombe oil well in West Sussex would compromise the protected landscape of the High Weald, council planners said today.
Campaigners calls for ban on acid stimulation of onshore oil and gas wells
Friends of the Earth has called for a ban on the use of acid to stimulate the flow of oil and gas in onshore wells.
Leith Hill oil site: Europa seeks three more years – plus updates on licence extension and permit
Europa Oil and Gas is seeking more time to drill and test a well at its exploration site near Leith Hill in Surrey.
DRILL OR DROP? 