I paid a visit to Kirby Misperton today to meet both representatives from Third Energy and the protestors. I was shown the site and took the opportunity to re-emphasise the importance of robust regulations throughout the whole shale gas operation. I was reassured to learn that the Environment Agency has carried out four audits this week including three physical audits at the site, which shows that they are determined ‘to go through everything with a fine toothcomb’, before operations actually start. This is good news.
I also spent time with protestors outside the gate, answering their questions as well as taking part in an interview, which they will post online. However I was disappointed to see that some protestors had locked themselves onto pipes, which meant that the road had to be closed, yet again, cutting off the route between Kirby Misperton and Great Habton. I am in favour of peaceful protest, but I saw for myself how long it took the police to clear the protestors before they could reopen the road, which is a total waste of police time and a massive inconvenience to people going about their business. This kind of illegal protest is unacceptable.
The police are doing a great job in very difficult circumstances and I was pleased to have had the opportunity to thank them for everything they are doing.
My visit today has not changed my perspective on shale gas extraction, but I will continue to do all I can to make sure the regulations are in place to ensure that the process is sensitive to the environment and the countryside.