Review of 2018
2018 was a year of firsts for fracking and the campaigns against it, with successes and setbacks on both sides of the argument.
Air pollution study exposes fracking risks, say campaigners
Increases in air pollution linked to preparations for fracking in North Yorkshire could happen anywhere the operation is planned, shale gas opponents said today.
Live news updates: Extra time narrowly approved for Rathlin Energy’s East Yorkshire well site
This post has live updates from the meeting of East Riding of Yorkshire Council which is discussing Rathlin Energy’s application for three more years to operate its West Newton-A oil and gas site north of Hull.
15% support fracking and 31% oppose – government quarterly survey returns
The government has resumed its quarterly survey of public attitudes to fracking and shale gas. The latest results, published this morning, show support for fracking stands at 15%, down 3 percentage points, and opposition at 31%, down 1 point.
Picture post: Hundreds gather at fracking site for climate rally
A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 shouted “Cuadrilla go home” at a climate rally outside the company’s fracking site near Blackpool today.
Balcombe villagers protest against oil tests
About 50 people from the West Sussex village of Balcombe joined a protest this morning against imminent tests at a nearby oil site.
Fracking opposition is core Labour policy, shadow chancellor tells Westminster rally
The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, told anti-fracking campaigners at a rally in Westminster that the Labour Party stood in solidarity with them. And he predicted opposition to fracking would be a key issue at the next election.
