Campaigners hail ‘brave’ no fracking decision as victory for democracy

Today’s decision by Lancashire council to reject a fracking planning application has been hailed as a victory for democracy, by a Friends of the Earth campaigner.

The application to frack at Preston New Road, in Little Plumpton, was turned down this morning.

Friends of the Earth north west campaigner Furqan Naeem, said: “People in Lancashire and across the UK who have been tirelessly campaigning against fracking will breathe a sigh of relief today - safe in the knowledge that this dirty industry that risks health, quality of life and the climate, has been stopped in its tracks once again.

“In the teeth of massive pressure from Cuadrilla and Westminster, Lancashire’s brave county councillors have voted to protect their citizens and the local environment - the winners today are democracy and the people of Lancashire.

“Both Cuadrilla and the Government must respect Lancashire’s decision and not try to force unpopular fracking on these communities. Many polls show that the public wants renewable energy, not fracking – and the clean energy and long term jobs it provides.

“The stakes for local people, for democracy and for the environment could not be higher. Though all three emerge as victors today, the fight against fracking and dirty energy is far from over.”

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