Margaret Greenwood MP (Lab) for Wirral West
I fully support the people of Lancashire and the right of the local authority to stop fracking in Lancashire.
Today people are gathering to show their opposition to fracking in Lancashire. This protest is being sustained by people who care about communities, care about the environment and care about the future.
Climate change is a reality and we have a responsibility to do what we can to mitigate the risks.
We must fight to protect the world in which we live and demand investment in the renewables our country and our planet need.
I would like to extend my support to everyone involved in challenging fracking in Lancashire and pay tribute to the stand you are making. Thank you.
Cat Smith, Labour MP (Lab) for Lancaster and Fleetwood
“Thank you to all those who have worked hard to make today’s rally happen. I am sorry I am unable to be with you outside the hearing today.
Since my election a MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood in May last year – and for many years before – I have been very clear that fracking is not a solution, but the problem, for Britain’s energy needs.
In Westminster I consistently highlight the hypocrisy that the Government puts barriers in the way and cuts support for green energy whilst rolling out the red carpet and tax breaks for fracking companies.
Fracking can’t come on line in time to meet the energy needs its supporters claim it will, it will not bring local jobs, but it will put at risk our environment and our tourist economy.
However, what I want to stress most strongly is this – I am angry that a government that talks of devolution and a Prime Minister who claims to champion localism rides rough shot over us on this decision on fracking. Fracking does not have the support of Lancashire folk and we do not want it. I’ll be working with all who want – like me – to see Lancashire frack free.”
Statement from Andrew Gwynne MP (Lab) for Denton and Reddish
“If this government believes in localism, then it should fully respect the decision of Lancashire County Council to reject fracking in the county.
Any overturning of the decision of the locally elected council and the local community’s wishes would open the floodgates to similar decisions being overturned and that would be a travesty for democracy.”
Statement by Vivienne Westwood
Although I can’t be there with you, I am sending my support to all of you in Blackpool today who are leading an inspiring campaign to keep Lancashire frack free. We all know fracking is a dirty, polluting industry that we don’t need and don’t want in Lancashire or anywhere. Lancashire has already said no to fracking. But now David Cameron is working with the industry to try to force it on local communities. This is an attack on democracy. We need to build our future on renewable energy and cutting how much energy we need, rather than more fossil fuels. Communities in Lancashire have already shown that we can stop Cuadrilla – and we can and must do it again.
Statement by Muslim Climate Action
Fracking is a dangerous method of extracting shale gas from the Earth. The physical damage caused to the Earth is immense, and it is currently wrecking areas of outstanding natural beauty. As Muslims, when we hear of this degradation to the earth, it feels as though we have forgotten that: ‘the world is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed [us] as Guardians over it’?
We, as Muslim Climate Action stand for environmental justice. In December, we travelled to Paris to show our solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world in the fight against climate change and we got see first hand the amazing community in Lancashire who battled against the odds to stop fracking in Lancashire
We as humans have a distinct role in the universe, and a special responsibility amongst God’s creatures. So we must take initiative, when we see the destruction of eco systems, environments and wildlife. We must remind ourselves of the Prophet Mohammed’s (pbuh) advice, and we must “Be a community that calls for what is good, urges what is right, and forbids what is wrong.” We must remain Guardians of this world, and take joint responsibility for what we use, to ensure we make the best use of nature. And, we must always remember that the earth is not ours, but Gods.
So as the Government attempts to take fracking decisions out of local councils, who are accountable to their voters and give responsibility to unelected planning inspectors instead. We must stand united, no matter what religion or race, uphold justice to ensure that the Earth which was bestowed to us remains preserved. We stand united with the people of Lancashire and we pray for another victory for the community.
Coinciding with the first day of the public appeal “Through Our Eyes” is a photovoice exhibition that shows what it means to live under the threat of fracking.
