In a letter to Ian Saville and Pam Laurance, Joint Coordinators of Brent Friends of the Earth, Brent Council leader, Muhuimmad Butt, has reiterated his oppositon to fracking. He was responding to letters and postcards sent from residents.
Thank you for your
letter of 15 March 2014 and the postcards that you enclosed. It’s heartening to
know that so many Brent residents passionately oppose hydraulic fracturing as
much as the Council does; as you say, “Fracking is a dirty word”.
I’m sure you’ve been as dismayed to read that the ConDem
Government now intend to overhaul trespass legislation to make it easier for
fracking firms to gain access without permission of landowners. We are
currently exploring what new legislation regarding planning law gives us the
opportunity to prevent contractors by law.
As you know, Brent has no intention whatsoever to grant
contractors with licences to carry out shale gas extraction in our borough. I
agree that a council motion would make a statement to communicate our
opposition to all, inside and outside of Brent. Thank you for your draft
wording, which will be considered by Executive Members.
In November, we decided to go beyond the standard motion.
Hitting the headlines wasn’t just a stunt though – we are obligated to protect
our residents from harm. When so many charities and organisations, including
yourselves and Public Health England, were voicing loud concerns, the Council
had no choice but to speak out. We will use what legal power we can to defend
local residents, their homes and neighbourhoods against the dangers of
fracking.
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