SNP rig conference agenda to rule out fracking debate

Commenting on the revelation that a motion put forward by at least 20 SNP party branches calling for a complete ban on unconventional gas and fracking has been excluded from the spring conference agenda, Friends of the Earth Scotland Director Richard Dixon said:

“It is disgraceful that the SNP have rigged the agenda of the spring conference to avoid a debate that would embarrass the leadership. Following a confused process at last year’s autumn conference, at least 20 branches backed a motion calling for a complete ban on unconventional fossil fuels including fracking. Judging by the mood in the room last autumn there is little doubt that had the motion made it onto the spring agenda the party would vote for a full ban.

“Community campaigners and party members across the country will be deeply disappointed with the SNP today.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. At least 20 party branches had supported the following resolution for debate: “Conference applauds the SNP’s policies that have made Scotland a greener, fairer and more prosperous country. In light of the recent Paris climate change agreement which make it imperative that we move to a post carbon economy, conference calls for a permanent ban on the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas by any means, including test drilling in Scotland as these activities are wholly at odds with Scotland’s obligations under this international agreement.”

2.  The SNP spring conference will be held in Glasgow on 12th and 13th March.  The conference agenda is available to party members.

3. Friends of the Earth Scotland is:
* Scotland's leading environmental campaigning organisation
* An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland
* Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 75 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups.
www.foe-scotland.org.uk