The shale gas debate at Lady Lumley's School in Pickering last night with campaigner, Mike Hill, provided me with a welcome opportunity to listen and respond to questions from an audience of around 400 people. Most of the audience had concerns about exploration and so I was able, once again, to reassure them that I will do everything within my power to ensure that it is managed safely in my constituency.
Safety was the main issue for most of the audience. They wanted reassurance that the Environment Agency (EA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would proactively oversee the enforcement of regulations. I was able to highlight the fact that the scientists and engineers at the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineers and many others are confident that the regulatory framework is in place. The time has come for us to trust the scientists and the experts and not follow the word of the fearmongers who have limited knowledge of the industry.
There was also concern about potential industrialisation of the area. I was able to highlight the fact that the density of well pads will be no greater than it is now and that the visual impact will be no more than for conventional gas across Ryedale, where we already have nine well-pads.
The meeting left me in no doubt about the strength of feeling about this issue in the constituency, I do understand people’s concerns and I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet worried residents face-to-face. I made the point then, and I will continue to make it, that I will do everything I can to ensure that fracking is delivered safely, but if it cannot I will be the first to call for a moratorium.