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Fracking given go-ahead in North Yorkshire

An application to frack for shale gas at a site in Kirby Misperton has been approved by North Yorkshire County Council.

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GMB Union welcomes 'pragmatic' fracking decision

Union support for fracking in North Yorkshire Credit: GMB

The GMB Union has welcomed North Yorkshire County Council's 'pragmatic' decision to approve a bid from Third Energy to frack for shale gas.

It says shale gas extraction presents a 'significant opportunity' to maintain energy security and promote skilled job creation in the UK.

The council's planning committee has voted in favour of extracting shale gas at an existing two mile deep well near Kirby Misperton in Ryedale. It's the first time in five years that the industry has been given the go-ahead in the UK for the exploration of shale gas.

A viability test will take place on the well, drilled in 2013, and if the site is suitable, consent has been given for shale gas extraction for nine years.

GMB will monitor with interest the viability test on the well in Kirby Misperton North Yorkshire over the coming year. Shale gas extraction presents a significant opportunity to maintain energy security and promote skilled job creation in the UK but all relevant safeguards, consultation and regulation of the industry must be scrutinised to the highest standard by public officials. Anything less than protecting these workers from exploitation in a fledgling industry, as we did with gas workers 126 years ago, would be a betrayal of our history and moral responsibility.

– Stuart Fegan GMB National Officer
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Fracking given go-ahead in North Yorkshire

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