Since the May 2015 general election the UK's government has stepped up its ‘all out for shale gas’ plans, despite likely ecological and climate impacts and widespread community protests. New fracking licences covering much of England have been awarded, along with measures to fast track controversial applications and allow ministers to overturn council planning decisions based on the ‘national need’.
Meanwhile local people voicing their fears over fracking's potential environmental and health impacts have been ignored, or even labelled ‘extremists’ under the government's Prevent strategy.
Set against the Conservatives’ ideological assault on solar and onshore wind, this bulldozing of local democracy is no accident. Powerful vested interests continue to wield enormous influence behind closed doors, such as chemical giant Ineos boss Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire with easy access to ministers, and Cuadrilla's chief exec Francis Egan. Determined to make their gamble on a British shale gas bonanza succeed, Ratcliffe and Egan are spending millions on PR and lobbying to combat public opposition and persuade local communities of shale’s benefits.
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