Frome residents recently gathered outside the town hall to protest against the government’s controversial plans to develop a large-scale oil field off Shetland.
The residents, who are part of Frome Families for the Future, held a peaceful after-school protest demanding an end to new fossil fuel developments and to promote clean, affordable energy for all.
A local climate activist, Vicki Chillcott said, “We wanted to show that, as parents and a community, we don’t accept new fossil fuels being approved in our name. We know a better world is possible one powered by clean, affordable energy and we’re here to stand up for a liveable future for our kids.”
The Frome residents’ protest aimed to raise awareness of the public consultation on new oil and gas licensing, which closed on 20th November, and to encourage residents to take part by submitting their views.
Frome parent, Susie Jenkins said, “To meet the 1.5°C target in the Paris Agreement, there can be no new investment in oil, gas or coal and that means no Rosebank. We’re supporting the Stop Rosebank campaign and urging the government to listen.”
Vicki added, “Approving Rosebank would lock the UK into decades more of fossil fuel dependency, worsening the climate crisis and keeping energy bills high. Existing fossil fuel projects already risk overshooting the global warming limit of 1.5°C — the threshold scientists say is necessary to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.
“Locally, many families are also struggling with fuel poverty around 10% of Somerset households can’t afford adequate heating.”
The demonstration was one of many community-led actions taking place across the UK in response to the government’s consultation.
Frome resident Dr Tom Dando, said, “People in the UK want affordable energy that doesn’t destroy the climate. Families are trapped paying extortionate bills while companies like Shell and Equinor rake in profits. Meanwhile, the UK has some of the best renewable resources in Europe just waiting to be used.”
