Julian Sturdy
Julian Sturdy has been the British Conservative Party Member of Parliament for York Outer since May 2010. [1] In the 2015 general election Sturdy retained his seat with a majority of 13,129. [2]
Stance on fracking
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This article is part of the Spinwatch Fracking Portal and project |
Writing for The Yorkshire Post in 2014, Sturdy said:
- 'The potential benefits of fracking may well prove to be transformative, but they will only ever be achieved with the support of local communities and the necessary safeguards.'
- 'While I welcome any new jobs and investment, it is crucial that local communities benefit from any development in their area. After all, whilst the perils of fracking may well have been exaggerated, there can be no doubt that nearby residents will face disruption, as is the case with all new development.'
- 'Ultimately a commonsense approach must prevail.' [3]
In a meeting with his local constituents, Sturdy said he was committed to localism and would oppose fracking if that was the will of local people. [4]
Sturdy's constituency includes four oil and gas licence blocks, awarded by the Oil and Gas Authority under the 14th licensing round in 2015. Two shale licenses were awarded to Cuadrilla and two to INEOS. There are plans for three shale wells, two hrz frac wells and 2D and 3D seismic surveying; in 2016 applications were underway. [5]
He was a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Shale Gas Regulation and Planning, which ceased to operate after July 2017.
Parliamentary questions
In 2018 Sturdy raised the issue of the government's proposed plans to fast-track shale gas applications and remove local control for decisions:
- There are growing concerns in my constituency about the proposed changes to planning powers for fracking applications being put forward for consultation by the Government and specifically the idea of treating non-fracking shale exploration as permitted development. Will my right hon. Friend update me on when the consultation will be open, and does he agree that these kinds of planning applications must come forward on the basis of local authority consent?
Voting record
Sturdy has a generally voted against increased regulations on fracking. [6]
- 26 January 2015: voted against making fracking companies apply for an environmental permit before conducting exploratory drilling. He also voted against an amendment to the Infrastructure Bill to include an 18-month moratorium on fracking.
- 11 February 2015: voted against requiring more pre-conditions for where fracking can take place.
- 16 December 2015: voted in favour of weakening regulations on fracking in protected areas and national parks.
Affiliations
- All-Party Parliamentary Group on Shale Gas Regulation and Planning – Member
- All Party Parliamentary Group on Unconventional Oil and Gas, member
- Vice-chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group on Water Safety and Drowning Prevention[7]
- Vice-chair of *All-Party Parliamentary China Group - Vice-chair[8]
Notes
- ↑ Julian Sturdy MP www.parliament.uk, accessed 29 May 2015
- ↑ York Outer parliamentary constituency BBC News, 8 May 2015, accessed 29 May 2015
- ↑ Julian Sturdy, Julian Sturdy: Common sense must prevail over fracking, The Yorkshire Post, 2 June 2014, accessed 28 December 2016.
- ↑ Julian Sturdy’s views on fracking, Frack Free York, 24 October 2016, accessed 28 December 2016.
- ↑ Oil and gas: licensing rounds, GOV.uk, accessed 14 November 2016.
- ↑ TheyWorkForYou | Julian Sturdy, TheyWorkForYou, accessed 28 December 2016.
- ↑ 'Water and Safety and Drowning Prevention Register',parliament.uk, accessed 11 November 2015
- ↑ China APPG, www.parliament.uk', accessed 23 November 2015
