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Anti-frackers target city centre for rally

Thousands protest against controversial drilling

Thousands of demonstrators flocked to Manchester city centre yesterday for a rally and march against controversial fracking gas extraction.

They demanded an end to exploratory drilling which is taking place across the greater Manchester region as profit-hungry energy firms sink boreholes to exploit shale deposits.

Fracking involves the extraction of gas by shattering seams of minerals and pumping in chemicals and water.

Protest campaigns have sprung up at drilling sites around the region and the groups joined forces for yesterday's demonstration.

Speakers included Manchester People's Assembly Against Austerity spokeswoman Penny Hicks who attacked the government's lack of an energy policy and the soaring energy bills which millions are struggling to pay.

She said the firms involved in fracking were interested only in profit and slammed the government for giving the process the go-ahead with little regulation.

Ms Hicks also called for support for People's Assembly nationwide demonstrations on March 19 when Chancellor George Osborne is expected to announce a further £25 billion in government cuts.

Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union national president Ian Hodson said the union strongly supported the anti-fracking movement.

He said: "Our members are concerned about it and the risks and implications associated with it. There were minor earthquakes in Blackpool in 2007 which were linked to fracking operations in the area. Research has shown that in the US the gas released has leaked into the water table.

"Our members are asking why this government is prepared to gamble with our future and our environment without doing proper research and risk assessment on the implications of this process.

"There are even implications about air pollution. There are suggestions that fracking can release toxins into the air we breathe."

He said the government had relaxed regulations to allow companies to start exploratory fracking.

"They should be investing in renewable energy such as solar panels on all new buildings," he said. "Fracking will only help the rich."

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