UK councils invest £9bn of pension funds in fracking companies – new research
Data released today suggests that UK councils have invested more than £9 billion from staff pension funds in fracking companies, despite opposition to the process.
Events diary – September 2018 onwards
September 2018 could see the first hydraulic fracture in the UK since 2011. 17 events are already planned outside the Cuadrilla-operated site at Preston New Road near Blackpool, plus a women’s rally in Parliament Square.
Picture Post: campaigners are “visionaries”, says shadow minister on visit to shale gas sites
Labour’s climate change spokesman, Barry Gardiner, today visited Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road shale gas site near Blackpool, where fracking is imminent. He also went to Altcar Moss, a site near Formby earmarked for fracking by Aurora Resources.
Grandmother’s “act of conscience” fracking protest led to conviction
A Ryedale grandmother, who chained herself to the entrance of Third Energy’s fracking site with a Reclaim Democracy banner, said she did it to “prevent serious harm”.
What’s happening this week? 27 August – 2 September 2018
In this week’s listings Shadow international trade secretary, Barry Gardiner, visits Lancashire fracking sites; Campaigners head for Bank Holiday festivals; Green Party’s Amelia Womack speaks at Preston New Road; Plus meetings, gatherings and information events.
Officials block release of details of minister’s talks with fracking industry
Most of the notes about a recent meeting between a minister and the shale gas industry have been redacted “in the public interest” or because they contained confidential information, a government department has said.
Picture post: Blockade at Horse Hill and campaign speakers at Preston New Road
Ten people were arrested when opponents of operations to explore for oil in southern England blocked the entrance to the site of the so-called Gatwick Gusher at Horse Hill in Surrey.
What’s happening this week? 20-26 August 2018
In this week’s listings Rally in south east England by EarthFirst summer gathering Jamie Bartlett and John Ashton to speak at rally outside Preston New Road Frack Free Scarborough visit Lancashire Seven local group meetings Plus regular gatherings
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.
Geologists challenge oil companies’ comments on Surrey earthquakes
Statements made by two oil companies about the recent cluster of earthquakes in Surrey have been challenged by geologists.
DRILL OR DROP? 