French MEP backs
fracking
protesters

The gathering, attended by French MEP Jose Bove, was held at Balcombe, the scene of bitter protests last year when energy firm Cuadrilla carried out test drilling at the site.

The MEP attended a meeting of about 60 grassroots campaigners from across England before he spoke at a public rally.

The speeches were followed by a brief occupation of the drilling pad led by Mr Bove.

A spokesman for the organisers said that the event had a “very good-spirited, peaceful but determined atmosphere”.

Mr Bove said that because France already had a fracking ban, it was the responsibility of the French to support the UK opposition to the drilling technique.

He said: “This has to be bigger and bigger. A real movement at national level with all different kinds of people to be able to change the decisions at the national level.

“When politicians will be afraid to lose their place in parliament they are going to change the way they think.

“You have to say to all candidates ‘are you for or against fracking?’ “

He continued: “Next we’re not only going to gather here in Balcombe but the next big mobilisation with thousands and thousands of people, we’re not going to do it in the countryside in Sussex but we’re going to do it in Downing Street.

“This is a message also for Mr Cameron.

“Mr Cameron has to stop his support for these companies. This is a social fight but also a fight against all those people who support those companies.”

The news comes as the Yorkshire Post prepares to launch its latest Big Debate series this weekend on the issue of fracking.