PHIL MAXWELL

Barclays Bank Fracking Protest

November 1, 2016

According to the Medact report on health and fracking (2015) “the arguments against fracking on public health and ecological grounds are overwhelming. There are clear grounds for adopting the precautionary principle and prohibiting fracking.” The health professionals writing the report concluded that fracking in the Uk could lead to “increased risks of cancer, respiratory disease and birth defects,” because of the chemicals and processes used. Despite overwhelming evidence of the dangers the government plans to push ahead with plans to allow fracking. Earlier this year permission was granted to allow a company called Third Energy to frack in Ryedale, North Yorkshire, contrary to the wishes of the vast majority of local residents. A few weeks ago permission to frack was also given the go-ahead to a site in Lancashire, also against the wishes of local residents. Support for fracking is at an all time low, with only 19% of the country in favour. The alternative to fracking is a 100% renewable future. In the UK we are lucky to have colossal renewable energy resources from wind, waves and the sun.

Last Saturday saw a nationwide protest outside Barclays Banks. Third Energy is 97% owned by Barclays bank. If you don’t want your money invested in dirty energy move to a more ethical bank.

These photographs were taken in Liverpool where hundreds marched and protested against Barclays and their plans to destroy the planet.