Fracking Frontlines Update

Dear friends,

The battle for a clean energy future has intensified over the last few months with the fracking industry stepping up operations across the country - but met with strong resistance.

In Lancashire, Cuadrilla are now drilling despite being several months behind schedule following direct action blockades throughout the year - including the 'Rolling Resistance' month of action in July.  Campaigners and grandparents have blocked roads leading to Third Energy's site in Kirby Misberton in North Yorkshire - who hope to test frack in the next few weeks.  Drilling has begun at Broadford Bridge (Bliingshurst, West Sussex) whilst chemicals-giant Ineos are conducting seismic surveys in the East Midlands.

And yet public opposition and organised resistance to fracking is also reaching new heights. Protection camps and local community groups are active and resisting on a daily basis across England. Last week, the Scottish government renewed its moratorium on fracking indefinitely.  With the majority of trade unions against fracking, the Labour Party promising a ban in their manifesto and public support for fracking at an all time low of 19% - the industry is looking shakier than ever.

This is a battle we can win. As the legal appeals go on and the Conservative government over ride local democracy by pushing through fracking applications, regular direct action will be needed to stop the drillers, deter fossil fuel investors and create political space for publicly-owned renewable energy alternatives.

As part of this growing movement, Reclaim the Power will be meeting in Leeds on Sunday 29th October

 to discuss and plan mobilisations over the coming months. 


Upcoming events:

United Against Fracking ConferenceSaturday 28th October, 10am - 6pm
Bridge Street Church, Bridge Street, Leeds, LS2 7QZ
Conference organised by Frack Free Leeds and Friends of the Earth
Eventbrite registration

Followed by film screening: 'Power Trip - The Fight To Stop Fracking'Saturday 28th October, 7pm,
Packhorse Pub, Leeds, LS1 6AT
Watch the trailer here.

Reclaim the Power national gathering
Sunday 29th October 2017, 10am - 6pm
Bridge Street Church, Bridge Street, Leeds, LS2 7QZ
Facebook event here.
Help plan, strategise and mobilise to stop the fracking industry over 2017 - 2018.
All welcome.

Cycle to COP23 climate mobilisation in Bonn, GermanyTime to Cycle are getting back on their bikes to attend the Ende Gelaende mass actions against opencast coal mining in Germany. The action will take place as the United Nations meets for the 23rd 'Conference Of Parties' climate talks in Germany (COP23).

Departing Harwich UK via Hook van Holland (27 October - 6 November)
More details on the Facebook event.

With thanks,
Reclaim the Power
www.reclaimthepower.org.uk