Protestors’ Rights

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering Excerpts
Tuesday 9th April 2019

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford
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The noble and learned Lord is of course absolutely right—and I wish him a happy birthday.

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering Portrait Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Con)
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Does my noble friend agree that it would be much better if INEOS and other such energy companies engaged at the earliest possible stage with local communities, and that it would stand INEOS and those companies in good stead if they would respect the energy law laid down that there will be no fracking in, near, above or below a national park?

Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford
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Certainly, any large organisation that needs to impact a community would be well advised to engage with it well ahead of time. During such a process, people who protest have to balance their right to protest with their responsibility to uphold the law.