No 25 - Are the Government going back on their word?

Thank you so much for your ongoing support for our campaign to stop the proposed drilling for gas in Burniston by Europa Oil and Gas. This is a newsletter tells of our precarious position and how we need your HELP!

We all heard Ed Miliband announce loud and clear at the Labour Conference that the government will ban ALL FRACKING. However, at a Westminster Hall Debate last week, Alison Hume MP addressed the meeting to ask Michael Shanks MP if the government were going to ban "small scale" fracking. In short, he said NO! The government is only going to ban what is already banned in the moratorium. See the Westminster Hall Debate here.

Since Michael Shank's statement there has been uproar - here are a few reactions.

FFCC has written a letter to Michael Shanks here'. Chris Garforth summarises with 'In conclusion, we would respectfully ask you to reconsider your use of language around fracking to make it clear that you accept that the term ‘fracking’ applies to all hydraulic fracturing operations; and to reconsider your view about the scope of the legislation to ban fracking in light of the evidence referred to above.'

Ruth Hayhurst in Drill or Drop reports 'Ban on Low Volume Fracking Looks Unlikely'. Steve Mason said 'Minister Shanks. Let me spell it out for you. The moratorium on #Fracking was imposed due to earthquakes in Lancashire following a frack. (and overwhelming community and political pressure.) Earthquakes at PnR were caused by a frack using volumes of fluid lower than the stages proposed in Scarborough. You don't need new evidence. The moratorium exists because of evidence. This semantic argument is exactly the norm across the world, and time and time again, our politicians fall into the trap.'

Alison Hume posted the This is the Coast article on Facebook saying I've always made it clear - and will continue to say so - that I believe small-scale fracking, otherwise known as 'proppant squeeze' MUST be in the government moratorium. I’ve been accused of NIMBYism and not understanding the issue by Europa Oil & Gas. I understand the issue perfectly well thank you. It’s fracking. Burniston is on the fracking front line but companies are lining up across the country to exploit the loophole.

Burniston Parish Council also wrote a letter to Michael Shanks and you can read it here. Cllr Richard Parsons said 'The feedback that I have received from our local community and those further afield, is quite clear. You are hanging us out to dry. We will become your guinea pigs. If our community is not harmed then all is fine, if it is harmed then you might look at it again.' and in his strongly worded conclusion said 'I urge you to put right the wrongs you spoke on the 10th December 2025. I do believe that the stance you took was incorrect and possibly not researched at all. I do not see the situation as being irretrievable, number 6 above explains that clearly. A common-sense approach that does not use our communities as guinea pigs and places the burden of proof, of safe practice, on the onshore oil and gas industry for each application.'

Michael Shanks said he would welcome feedback from the community, so please let him know your thoughts.

PLEASE WRITE TO NYC ASKING FOR SCARBOROUGH SPA FOR PLANNING MEETING VENUE.

The strategic planning committee are meeting imminently to decide on the Europa Oil and Gas for an appraisal well in Burniston. We have heard the likelihood is for the meeting to be held in January in Scarborough. Over 1600 people responded to the consultation on the planning portal. This meeting will be followed closely by residents, campaigners throughout the country and media. If (as has been done in the past) the meeting is held in Scarborough Town Hall, there will not be enough room for the public to attend safely. The councillors should see the hundreds of people that are expected to attend.

This was on the Burniston Parish Council website

And this article was written in the Scarborough News

PLEASE WRITE TO NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL TO REQUEST THE VENUE IS AT SCARBOROUGH SPA.

STILL TIME TO OBJECT

The planning decisions have not yet been made for either the Burniston or Foxholes planning applications and this means there is still a chance to submit your objection. In both cases email planning.control@northyorks.gov.uk with your objection. Please make sure you include your name and address. The earliest the Burniston application could possibly be considered by NYC is on 9th December. For Foxholes, DO NOT mention fracking as this is not (yet??) being applied for.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!

FFCC wishes you all a very happy Christmas and want to say a huge thank you for all your support, encouragement and donations. This is the only 'flare' we want above Burniston!

Thank you for reading our newsletter

Clare

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PLEASE WRITE TO NYC ASKING FOR SCARBOROUGH SPA FOR PLANNING MEETING VENUE.

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STILL TIME TO OBJECT

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HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!

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