#13 – Q:Witness – Pendle Hill, fossil fuels and GE2017

Land across Lancashire is at risk of fracking, a new form of fossil fuel extraction that is set to threaten the UK’s ability to meet its low carbon commitments. Planning permission has been granted for fracking at Preston New Road in Lancashire, between Blackpool and Preston. Pendle Hill Area Meeting Quakers joined together to organise a meeting for worship for witness against fracking atop Pendle Hill, a historic site for Quakers. The land that can be seen from Pendle Hill is licensed for fracking, or at risk of being so. Jon Martin went along to hear from those who attended the meeting for worship on 6 May. It’s urgent that we move beyond reliance on fossil fuels. This means campaigning against fracking, and many other types of action too. Sunniva Taylor, Sustainability and Peace Programme Manager, celebrates 19 area meeting fossil fuel divestment commitments and outlines key climate change questions to put to parliamentary candidates before the general election on 8 June. We need their answers – and their actions. For further information about the general elections, and question to ask candidates, go to www.quakervote.org.uk. A note for listeners: whilst fracking receives government support in England, this issue will be devolved to the Welsh Assembly next year. Listeners in Scotland can take action to uphold and strengthen the Scottish Government’s moratorium on fracking by responding to the official online consultation before 31 May. Find out more at www.quaker.org.uk/fracking. Twitter: @EarthEconQuaker @QuakerVote