(Rother Valley) (Con):...There is no doubt that this
fight against fracking has exacted a heavy toll on my constituents’
mental health. They are faced not only with the prospect of losing
access to the country lanes around the proposed fracking sites,
which are used for exercise to ensure healthy body and mind, but
with continuous uncertainty. One of my constituents has described
this as “the great sword of Ineos hanging over
their heads—and he is absolutely right. Even though the Government
have issued a moratorium on fracking, this has not stopped
Ineosfrom circling around the sites in Harthill
and Woodsetts like vultures, biding its time and waiting for the
moratorium to be eased.
Exploratory drilling and acidisation are still not covered by the
moratorium and we fear that fracking companies seek to exploit
that. The ban needs to cover exploratory drilling and
acidisation. We all know that Ineos is willing
to outspend local community groups many hundreds of times over on
legal fees and feasibility reports. This unjust situation is akin
to David versus Goliath. The status quo is not acceptable. If we
are headed towards a low carbon future, on which we all agree in
this House, surely a permanent ban on fracking would send a clear
and strong message to the world of the UK’s commitment?
Time is of the essence for the people of Harthill and Woodsetts:
no longer can we wait nervously for the threat of fracking to
pass. I speak directly to Ineos when I say, “You
will never be allowed to frack in Rother Valley. Your best
endeavours will come to nothing. Leave my constituents in peace
to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Do not come back.”
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