IMPORTANT: Since I have decided that I dont wish to have to buy bottled water for drinking, nor do I wish to bathe in water that strips the flwesh from my bones, I have decided to strongly oppose the risk of fracking of any nature and have sent a variation of the following letter to every MP I can think of to express my disgust. Once we are all tied to drinking water controlled by corporations there will be no turning back. First it will be made unsafe to drink and subsequent access to safe drinking water will then nolonger be considered a human right, more of a priviliage for the fortunate few. Not the Tories or UKIP believe we should even have human rights. Heres my letter starting with Ruth Davidson Hi Ruth Thank you for your prompt reply and informative well considered response. However my signature on the petition is a clear statement of my disapproval towards fracking of any kind, in any part of the UK. As I am sure you are aware the power that the Scottish Parliament had to fight this scourge, was removed by the house of lords in May last year. This subsequent change in legislation has left the Scottish Government unable to act in the 99% in oppositions best interests. Please excuse my ignorance of the political landscape but how are the Scottish Government supposed to ensure these guidelines are implemented and adhered too. I fail too see how this could be possible when the devolved power to enforce such a change has been removed, could you clarify this? Also if only the Scottish government can give consent to fracking, why was it reported that our National Park (Loch Lomond) had the rights for fracking sold by Westminister and the law manipulated to prevent any subsequent objections. Basically shoved through the back door by unelected undemocratic peers in the House of Lords. Since you appear to be of the opinion that the power exists to oppose this, I would greatly appreciate if you could let me know how I go about this other than signing petitions? Obviously I am very worried about the potential implications this has for both myself and my family. For example I dont wish to have to buy bottled water for drinking or bathing and it is well documented the environmental implications and damage to water supply that results from fracking and even in the event of strict guidelines being adhered too, it is a particularly dubious and controvertial practice. This is without going into the negative impact this shall have on tourism. I appreciate that the Scottish Tory Party are keen to take a responsible, pragmatic approach towards the practice of this industry but like the majority of the UK population, I am alarmed at not only the inherent dangers of fracking but the lack of full public engagement that you have highlighted. It appears that our current Westminster government is blissfully oblivious of the real fears and concerns, of the majority of the population. I would rightly presume that Scottish Tories will also wish to represent its local constituents best wishes here in Scotland. It is with this in mind that I ask if the Tory party will reconsider its stance on unconventional gas and adopt a zero tolerance approach, one that reflects our collective future aspirations for this country? The abhorrence of fracking is clear and the fact it is has been previously banned, exemplifies the necessity for it to be stopped before its started! Apologies for my long winded reply but I understandably feel very passionate about this issue and I am rather disillusioned with regards to the numerous unpopular policies and actions of this current political regime. I will be patiently waiting for your reply. Kindest Regards Alan Dickson -----Original Message----- From: Ruth.Davidson.msp To: alandix101 Sent: Mon, 6 Oct 2014 11:06 Subject: RE: Please use existing powers to stop fracking in Scotland Dear Mr Dixon, Thank you for taking the time to write to me about fracking. The Scottish Conservatives are dedicated to achieving a balanced energy mix to meet the country’s needs and we believe unconventional gas extraction has a significant role to play in this. Whereas ten years ago the UK was a net exporter of gas, today it has to import 10 billion cubic metres per year. Our shale gas reserves could drive down domestic and industrial gas prices and help the country to be less at the mercy of volatile foreign markets and often unstable foreign governments. I note that the UK government’s recent consultation generated a substantial degree of opposition, but the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) public opinion tracker provides a more accurate gauge of views with only 24% fully opposing fracking and half neither supporting nor opposing it as of August 2014. The SNP Government’s recent criticism of Westminster’s approach to fracking and their call for additional powers to Scotland is no more than political posturing. Planning is already under the Scottish Government’s control and so fracking can only go ahead with their agreement. The licensing regime for unconventional gas extraction is, and will remain, rigorous requiring input from the DECC, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), planning authorities and in some instances the Coal Authority. I am aware of some local homeowners’ concerns about fracking under or near to their properties, in particular the proposed right to drill to depths of 300 metres under private land without negotiating a right of access has been contentious. However, gas, water and electricity companies already have similar rights and there is no evidence of any harm that would be caused by fracking if properly regulated. Safety is a top priority for the Government and it is worth noting that the UK has over 50 years of experience in regulating the onshore oil and gas industry. This experience is critical in avoiding risks such as the contamination of water supplies. Overall, I am confident that fracking will continue to be conducted safely, responsibly and with local interests in mind. I believe it will benefit the country in terms of energy security, economic growth and jobs creation. Yours sincerely, Ruth Davidson MSP From: Alan dickson [mailto:alandix101@aol] Sent: 02 October 2014 00:06 To: Davidson R (Ruth), MSP Subject: Please use existing powers to stop fracking in Scotland Alan dickson 249 corkerhill place Corkerhill Glasgow G52 1RX alandix101@aol Dear Ruth Davidson, As I am sure you are aware, the UK Department for Energy and Climate Change are currently offering over 20,000 square km of some of the most populous and beautiful parts of central and southern Scotland for license in the 14th onshore oil and gas round, which closes on 28 October 2014. Licences granted in this round are more than likely to be offered to companies who want to frack for shale gas, as well as some to those who want to exploit coalbed methane. Not only is fracking and drilling for unconventional gas linked by ever increasing evidence to serious public health risks, impacts on water resources and the local environment, but opening up a new frontier of fossil fuels as we face catastrophic climate change is the last thing we should be doing. Whether this new industry is allowed to advance in Scotland is a real test of the Government and Parliament’s commitment to Scotland’s world leading Climate Act. I am aware that the Scottish Government has taken a more cautious approach to unconventional gas than its UK counterpart to date. I also appreciate that having additional powers devolved to Holyrood would allow the Scottish Government and Parliament to take a more holistic approach to energy policy. But the Scottish Government could use existing powers to block unconventional gas drilling and fracking in Scotland, as in fact it has chosen, rightly, to do with its stance against nuclear energy. I ask you as my MSP to: - call on the Scottish Government to ban unconventional gas altogether, to protect communities and the climate; - block UK Government moves to remove people’s rights to object to or even be notified about shale gas drilling and fracking underneath their homes if a Legislative Consent Motion comes before the Scottish Parliament to enable this to take effect in Scotland. I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely, Alan dickson **********************************************************************
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 12:54:48 +0000
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