Category: Public Opinion

You could almost feel sorry for them

You could almost feel sorry for them

Today whoever runs the industry mouthpiece at BackingFracking, became overwrought – maybe he had been watching the webcast of the closing submissions by PNR and FoE which comprehensively demolished Cuadrilla’s grounds for appeal, or maybe he’s listened to Babs Murphy and her unconvincing submissions for too long – I know...

Can a leopard change its spots?

Can a leopard change its spots?

One of Backing Fracking’s most vocal supporters is Lorraine Allanson who runs a bed and breakfast and holiday cottage complex near Pickering. She also runs a pro-fracking Facebook group and website under the name FORGE on which she bans anyone who expresses any opinion contrary to her own. On her...

Hansard so it’s true but what is he saying?

Hansard so it’s true but what is he saying?

This from yesterday’s Hansard, on the day on which the enquiry, which will be decided by Greg Clark, Minister for Communities and Local Government, started. Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Labour My Lords, I declare an interest as a Lancashire resident. Will the Minister care to take away and reflect on...

It’s another world for the frackers

It’s another world for the frackers

I’ll leave the erudite Ruth Hayhurst to report on the important goings on at the Enquiry today, but one story that did come out shows that it’s one world for those protesting against fracking and another one for Cuadrilla and their cronies. We heard today that  Cuadrilla have a hospitality...

Lost in Transit – A Sad Tale

Lost in Transit – A Sad Tale

Today 250 anti-fracking protestors welcomed 40 or 50 of the fracking industry’s hopefuls and a smattering of refugees from Yorkshire to Bloomfield Road. The Police were very complimentary about the exemplary behaviour of all of those present – it was largely a good humoured event, helped along by the hilarity...

So who exactly is Backing Fracking – unmasking the astro-turfers

So who exactly is Backing Fracking – unmasking the astro-turfers

Given what I read in their carefully crafted press releases and on their social media sites, it seems that the astroturfing group which calls itself “Backing Fracking” would have you believe that they are made up of ordinary “residents” who are nothing to do with “the industry and businesses on...

A challenge to the ridiculous and ubiquitous Ken Wilkinson

A challenge to the ridiculous and ubiquitous Ken Wilkinson

I have been amused over the last few weeks to read the increasingly ridiculous comments made by retired physics teacher from Bristol, Ken Wilkinson. The most ludicrous statement he has made though was this one from yesterday. Now there is clearly a respectable debate about fracking to be had, and...