7 July 2016
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett has spoken out in support of anti-fracking protester Tina Rothery, who faces jail after being threatened with £55,000 of legal fees by fracking firm Cuadrilla. Rothery, who has been dubbed a ‘modern-day Spartacus’ after becoming the subject of an international ‘I Am Tina Rothery’ campaign, appeared in court last week refusing to pay the costs brought against her.
Natalie Bennett, Green Party leader, said:
“I stand wholeheartedly behind Tina Rothery. Today it was revealed that fracking threatens to cause the UK to miss its 2030 emission targets; if the need to resist this fossil fuel technology was not clear before, it is now.” (1)
“Fracking is a threat to our communities and our futures. Tina's action, with that of the other 'Nanas', is a brave stand in protection of their communities. Fracking companies that try to victimise and target individuals to prevent opposition are only going to find they are faced with an even stronger reaction."
In August 2014 Rothery was one of 26 ‘Nanas’ who occupied a field near Blackpool in protest at the proposal by the firm Cuadrilla to frack in the area. Despite leaving the field before being evicted, legal action was taken against the group, and a portion of Cuadrilla’s legal fees was awarded against Rothery as the named defendant in the case.
Appearing in court last week, Rothery was met by 150 supporters wearing t-shirts which read ‘I am Tina Rothery’, a slogan that was taken up by Twitter users across the globe. She is currently waiting to find out whether or not she will be prosecuted. (2)
Bennett added:
“Anti-fracking protesters in Lancashire and across the country deserve praise for their actions, not legal proceedings. The Green Party will be behind Tina every step of the way.”
ENDS
Contact press@greenparty.org.uk
Notes:
1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/07/fracking-uk-climate-targets-rules-stricter
2. https://drillordrop.com/2016/06/24/anti-fracking-campaigner-tells-court-i-wont-pay-cuadrillas-55k-legal-bill/