Responding to George Osborne’s claims on today’s BBC Radio 4 Today programme that fracking will help to deliver a “Northern powerhouse”, North West Campaigner Helen Rimmer said: “This is yet another desperate attempt by the Chancellor to try and win over communities who are saying no to dirty fracking. The economic benefits of shale gas have been vastly over-hyped by the Government and their friends in the fossil fuel industry, and residents opposing fracking in Greater Manchester will not be bought off with cheap bribes.
“A far better solution for the northern economy is to invest in renewables and energy efficiency which could create thousands of new jobs for the region and tackle climate change at the same time.”
Unconventional gas firm IGas recently announced it had found shale gas at its drilling site in Barton Moss, Salford, and is likely to seek permission for fracking at the site. Barton Moss was the scene of major local protests last winter, and over 3000 Salford residents signed a petition to the Mayor Ian Stewart agains the plans. IGas are now seeking permission for a second drill site in Greater Manchester, in Davyhulme, but Trafford council has postponed its decision due to environmental concerns.
ENDS
For immediate release Saturday 8 November
Contact: Helen Rimmer, North West Campaigner, Friends of the Earth 07940 006783.
Notes to Editors:
1. George Osborne said on BBC Today programme that an idea that government wants to explore “which is whether you could create a sovereign wealth fund for the money that comes from the shale gas that we are going to be pulling out of the ground, particularly in the North of England, and making sure this money is not squandered on day-to-day spending but invested in the long term economic health of the North of England to create jobs and investment there. So a sovereign wealth fund for the North of England based on the shale gas there is another exciting idea and another part of building a Northern powerhouse.” The interview was aired shortly after 8.30 am on Saturday 8 November.
2. Last year Conservative peer, Lord Howell, who was energy secretary from 1979 to 1981 and is the father-in-law of Chancellor George Osborne. said “Fracking should be carried out in the North East of England, where there are large, “desolate” areas.” BBC news website.
