YP Letters: No excuse not to know about fracking row

From: John Plummer, Harrogate.
The fracking debate has divided Kirby Misperton.The fracking debate has divided Kirby Misperton.
The fracking debate has divided Kirby Misperton.

THANKS, and congratulations, on presenting the diversity of arguments and predictions about fracking over a whole week. It is amazing that, although the Government’s polling on the issue shows an increasing and large majority against fracking, so many people claim to have no knowledge or opinion about it. You have removed that excuse.

I found the arguments in favour of fracking to be mainly a rehash of the industry’s misleading claims. Bernard Ingham and Kevin Hollinrake MP trot out weary observations which fail to address the serious risks involved. It is wilfully absurd to claim that the eventual impact on the environment, agriculture and tourism in North Yorkshire will be insignificant.

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As renewable sources of energy increase in volume and reduce in cost, the need for gas to produce electricity will decline. With Norway’s help, we have enough gas to meet domestic demand until we manage that down. It would of course help if our current housing exploited available technologies to minimise energy needs.

Mr Hollinrake should take a lead from Theresa May, who joined constituency campaigners in opposing her own government’s housing policy. He is entitled and expected to defend his constituency’s core identity. He should not put his own career chances above that.

From: Michael Farman, Willow Grove, Beverley.

WE are frequently told by the Government and the fracking industry that in this country we have the finest regulations in the world.

However, since the word “regulation” can be read as a noun or a verb, I believe it is worth considering both forms of the word.

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Viewing it as a noun, it is clear that there are plenty of paper regulations in place, including a 63-page manual published by the Health and Safety Executive. Looks good then?

But wait a moment, what about the verb? How will those regulations be enforced?

The HSE, depleted by Government cuts of over 40 per cent, has admitted that it would rely heavily on self-reporting by the drilling companies involved, backed by occasional visits to the sites.

With growing numbers of fracking sites, those visits must become less and less frequent.

From: Dr Jean McKendree, Westow.

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“ARE the protesters right to cause disruption for residents of Kirby Misperton?” The only answer to that (very loaded) question is yes.

It is “right” – and perfectly legal – for people to stand up for the environment, our health and wellbeing, and our future. Those protesters who are residents of Ryedale or North Yorkshire are putting their welfare and comfort on the line for the rest of the people who live in this great county. People should be eternally grateful that there are such people in the world who are thinking about more than just themselves.

From: I Wagenknecht, Rockland St Mary, Norfolk.

THERE are only two sites in the country providing the right size sand grains for the immense danger to our health that is fracking, one is in Gloucestershire, the other here in Norfolk.

I can assure you that opposition to this malign operation does not just happen in Ryedale.

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It is opposed everywhere. We are united with the non-violent protesters who are endangering their own health in Kirby Misperton and at many other sites, and rightly so.

In solidarity with local protesters, many here in Norfolk will do their best to stop the delivery of sand to your wells, we must stop beautiful assets being destroyed.

BBC should back Brexit

From: John G Collins, Ilkley.

I FULLY support your leading article (The Yorkshire Post, February 3) where you, quite rightly, comment on the abrasive and aggressive interview with Theresa May by Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC.

Kuenssberg, who spearheads the BBC policy to undermine the Prime Minister and exploit her political difficulties, used a rude and aggressive technique which was extremely unpleasant.

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It is about time that reporters like this working for the state broadcasting company begin to support the country and the Government in its efforts to achieve a strong Brexit.

Builders will not celebrate

From: Paul Stokes, Swaledale.

IN his latest edict on council tax hikes for second home owners, Carl Lis, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, states: “If the proposal results in some second homes being brought back into full-time occupancy then everyone who loves the Dales will have cause to celebrate.”

When local builders, tradespeople and other businesses whose very survival depends on second homes are forced out with their families, then everyone who loves the Dales will have cause to grieve.

Husbands on the shortlist?

From: David Bradley, Wakefield.

HOW interesting to read about Harriet Harman talking about all-women shortlists when her husband, Jack Dromey, was elected when an all-women shortlist was dropped a few years ago (Tom Richmond, The Yorkshire Post, February 3).

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Also Rachel Reeves, the Leeds MP, talks about famous women, but neglects to mention Margaret Thatcher! As for local female politicians, all mentioned have no idea what they are doing – LEPs, trams and trees – but are for the party only.