Communities Will Be Alarmed At Minister's Fracking Comments
In tonight's BBC One programme, The War over Fracking, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing declines to say whether he will introduce a permanent ban if the Scottish public clearly rejects fracking.
Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie said:
“Scottish communities are right to remain on ready alert to the threat of fracking, and I have no doubt many will be alarmed at these comments. Not only is the SNP’s energy minister still talking about this dangerous industry as an opportunity, but he appears to be suggesting it will eventually take place.
"It’s also telling that Ineos describe the current onshore moratorium as a breather. What we need to do is turn it into a permanent ban, for the sake of our communities and our climate.”
Scottish Greens have led the political campaign to stop fracking and other forms of unconventional gas extraction.
-We gathered thousands of signatures on a petition, forcing the UK Government to halt the imminent licensing of fracking as this power is due to be devolved.
-We secured Scottish control over fracking licenses as part of the Smith Commission discussions.
-We pushed the Scottish Government to introduce a moratorium on onshore unconventional gas developments such as fracking.
-We led Holyrood's first debate on the issue last year, proposing a ban. All other parties voted against it.
Want to support our campaign to turn the moratorium into a permanent ban? Join us!