Hollinrake gives up role with energy group over ties to fracking firms

THIRSK AND Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake has resigned from his post with a group which has received significant funding from the energy industry following criticism from constituents.

Mr Hollinrake said he was standing down as vice-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Unconventional Oil and Gas to ensure his impartiality on the issue of fracking was not called into question.

His constituency is currently the focus of an intense debate over whether the controversial mining method should be allowed.

APPGs are a way for MPs to work together on an issue of common interest but they have no official status in Parliament.

Earlier this week, the Frack Free Ryedale campaign group had attacked Mr Hollinrake for holding a role with the APPG on Unconventional Oil and Gas given the sponsorship provided by energy firms including those pursuing fracking.

In his email to the group’s chairman, Mr Hollinrake said: “A number of constituents have contacted me to express concerns that my involvement with the above is inappropriate, due to the amount of sponsorship it receives from the oil and gas industry.

“Clearly, this would never influence any of us to take a particular view, but nevertheless, I think I should resign as an officer to make sure that my impartiality is not called into question.”

Mr Hollinrake has said that he is in favour of fracking in his constituency as long as it is carried out properly and under careful supervision.

Third Energy has asked for permission to frack at a site near the village of Kirby Misperton, between Pickering and Malton.