The London Green Party is supporting anti-fracking campaigners, including Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, as they stand trial for involvement in anti-fracking protests at Balcombe last year.
Fracking is a controversial process where a mixture of water, sand and chemicals are pumped underground, under high pressure, to force gas from rock layers. The London Green Party has been working with campaigners in London to protect sites in and around the capital that have been earmarked for drilling.
The Green Party, the only major party campaigning openly against fracking, has stated that the fracking process is likely to accelerate climate change. Modelling conducted by climate scientists predicts that the impact of climate change could have a deadlier effect in London and the south east than elsewhere in England and Wales. People living in this region are most at risk of dying in heat waves, according to historic figures published today.
Last summer, Sussex Police arrested 126 people during the anti-fracking protests in Balcombe, which included the five who are appearing in court this week. All of the five deny charges of obstructing the public highway and failing to comply with conditions imposed by a senior police officer.
As Ms Lucas’ trial begins Jean Lambert, MEP for London, has pledged her support for the MP’s peaceful direct action against fracking.
Ms. Lambert said:
“Climate change is the biggest threat to our future and fracking will only compound global warming. The London Green party backs the campaigners in their fight for a positive, frack-free future.”