Branch NE/300/22
Motion on Fracking
This was discussed at our last branch on the 8th January 2014 and it was agreed to forward this
motion to our Policy Conference.
Fracking is a process that allows the exploitation of shale gas and oil for energy use. The government
sees this as a quick fix to shore up immediate energy supplies and improve Britain’s energy security.
However experts and environmental organisations such as Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, WWF,
and the Co-op oppose such moves. Fracking has caused earthquakes. In the UK operations near
Blackpool were suspended after earthquakes which were believed to be caused by a nearby fracking
operation. Elsewhere in the world the correlation between earthquakes and fracking is compelling.
Fracking also is blamed for the contamination of ground water which feeds into the human drinking
supplies. This ranges from chemical contamination to radioactive contamination. The most
spectacular of which is methane contamination which in parts of the USA has allowed consumers to
actually burn their tap water. The exploitation of shale gas is not a green energy and will not reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. It is also speculated that the possible accidental release of methane gas
would substantially increase the effects of global warming and climate change.
Despite this the Chancellor George Osborne has announced tax breaks for fracking operations in the
government’s budget. The aim of which is promoting this technology and the exploitation of shale
gas and oil regardless of the consequences for the environment, Unite members and our
communities.
We therefore call upon Unite to make all members aware of the dangers of fracking, actively oppose
fracking, to use its influence to prevent fracking operations, advise members not to work on fracking
sites nor deliver materials to such operations.
In Unity
Martin Fleming
Branch secretary