Anti-fracking activists at major rally

Over 2,000 campaigners from across the country took to the city streets to show solidarity at the United Against Fracking event.

Supported by Unite the Union, Greater Manchester Trade Union Congress, and other groups, the rally was endorsed by speakers and musicians.

The Government recently approved Cuadrilla’s bid to test for shale gas at a site in Preston New Road, Little Plumpton. Lancashire County Council had earlier rejected the application.

Anti-fracking campaigners from across Lancashire attended the rally on Saturday.

Human rights campaigner, Bianca Jagger, spoke on stage, declaring: “I am here as a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother.

“I believe fracking is a threat to our way of life, to our water supplies, to the air we breathe and to the environment. It is time for the government of the UK to stop its incestuous relationship with the oil and gas industry. Fracking is not the panacea they have told us it is.

“You are not alone. I am with you and there are millions of people who support your struggle. We will defeat fracking.”

Andy Burnham, Labour’s Mayoral Candidate for Manchester also spoke out against the controversial fracking technique:

He said: “If I cannot support fracking in Leigh, I cannot support it in Greater Manchester and I cannot support it anywhere.

“What worries me is that the government has taken powers to impose it on local people. They have taken the say of local people and I will stand against it if I am elected mayor.”