Talking Politics- 30 December 2015

During the Christmas period, I highlighted Age UK’s “No one should be alone at Christmas” campaign. According to Age UK, more than a million older people have said that they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. However, the growing loneliness faced by many is not just limited to the festive season, but is a year-round problem, faced by people of all ages. The good news is that we can take steps ourselves to tackle this problem. I would encourage everyone to think about those friends, neighbours, colleagues, family members and acquaintances who may be lonely and to take a little time out of your day to spend some time with them, even just for a short chat or a cup of tea. To those facing loneliness, small gestures can often make a real world of a difference.

Loneliness is just one issue which can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of those living in the area. Another pressing issue which has potential harmful health related consequences for those in the constituency is fracking.

 

On the evening of the 15th of December, appallingly, the Tories attempted to push through new regulations in Westminster allowing fracking underneath national Parks after the close of the day's business, despite saying during the General Election campaign in May that they opposed such a policy. Only after they were faced with objections from the opposition benches was the decision put to a full yes/no ballot for MPs on the 16th of December.

 

Together with my SNP MP colleagues, I voted against these regulations permitting fracking underneath National Parks. National Parks are intended to be Britain’s breathing spaces and are fully protected by the planning system. The purpose of protecting areas such as National Parks is to conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. National Parks are also protected to promote the understanding and enjoyment of natural resources for the public.

Shale gas and oil exploration and extraction poses a potential risk to water supplies and water quality, habitats and biodiversity and geological integrity as well as emissions to the atmosphere. This will also have implications for UK carbon emissions reduction obligations. It is impossible to comprehend the complete disregard for existing environmental and planning legislation which are in place to protect both the environment and the public by this UK Tory government

Unfortunately, a majority of MPs backed these new regulations. However, this vote demonstrates, to me, the need for stronger protection against fracking.