Earlier this year, Lancashire council said a resounding NO to the fracking industry. But now, in a move that makes a mockery out of local democracy, Westminster politicians have announced they will 'call in' the council's decision.
This is a significant moment in the fight against fracking. Since the government changed the guidance, allowing Westminster to ride roughshod over local democracy, this will be the first time they’ve used these powers.
Local people pushed councillors to reject fracking in Lancashire. So if the government crush local people power on this occasion, this could set a precedent. It could pave the way for more government interference on other fracking sites around the UK.
The final say now lies with one man -- Greg Clark. As the minister who oversees our councils, the decision will land on his desk.
It's Greg Clark's job to champion the voices of local democracy and in the past he's called on council leaders to "take power" back from central government. This could one of the biggest decisions he will make in his time in office, so please join Greenpeace in asking him to respect Lancashire's right to say no to shale gas.
Sign the petition to Greg Clark MP, the minister in charge of local government.
To: Greg Clark, Minister for Local Government
CC: David Cameron, Prime Minister
Please respect Lancashire county council's democratic right to say no to fracking. Giving the shale gas industry permission to drill - after council leaders listened to local people and said no to fracking - would make a mockery of the government support for local democracy.
