West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper invited Labour Frontbencher Barry Gardiner to West Lancashire’s potential fracking site at Altcar to see first-hand this area of countryside that would be devastated by the industry and to hear from local residents of their environmental and health concerns.

As part of the visit, MP Rosie and Barry visited the fracking site at Preston New Road to understand the scale of these operations which could be replicated on the West Lancashire moss within a matter of years.

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said:

“I’m delighted that Barry came to visit West Lancashire and see the land at Altcar which is now under threat from an imminent planning application from Aurora Energy.

“As a party, we have been clear on our position on fracking that we oppose it while there are still environmental and public health uncertainties and local residents and campaigners could hear our stance reiterated by me and the Labour frontbench through Barry.

“I oppose all plans to frack in this country and like many residents, am worried by Aurora’s plans to frack here in Altcar, West Lancashire. Already I have contacted Lancashire County Council, the Environment Agency and Public Health England to raise my concerns over the impact fracking would have on my constituents in West Lancashire and I will continue to work closely with local anti-fracking groups as we continue the campaign.”

Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade and Shadow Minister for International Climate Change Barry Gardiner MP said:
“It was important for me to come and speak to local people in West Lancashire and to hear first-hand the impact that fracking at Altcar and Preston New Road will have on their lives.

“The government is just not listening. It was disgraceful that they waited until the last day before the summer recess to slip out the go-ahead so that nobody could object in Parliament.

“The campaigners at both sites made clear to me the anxiety, upset and anger that fracking is bringing to those living in these communities. And all around the UK people are telling us clearly they do not want fracking rolled out to devastate our countryside and threaten our health and wellbeing.

“Labour’s policy on fracking is absolutely clear. We oppose it and a future Labour Government will ban it.

“I commend Rosie, the Moss Alliance and all the campaigners at both sites for their continued opposition to this industry. I promise them that Labour will continue to fight the government every step of the way to protect our communities and build a sustainable low-carbon future.”