Julia Mulligan comments on impact of fracking on policing in North Yorkshire

Responding to the decision by North Yorkshire County Council to approve a fracking site in Ryedale, Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, has released the following statement regarding the resourcing of any protests:

“There is a positive duty on North Yorkshire Police to facilitate lawful and peaceful protests, with fracking being absolutely no different, and I do not expect any resourcing issues as a result of the County Council’s decision.  North Yorkshire Police has the necessary contingencies and budgets in place to ensure the force is well able to deal with such events in the calm and professional manner you would expect, ensuring any impact on local residents is kept to a minimum.

“Above and beyond our usual budgeting there are also reserves earmarked for any unplanned Major Incidents, as well as a general reserve which is there for any eventuality.  I firmly believe however that any lawful and peaceful protest will be facilitated by the police as usual, keeping costs to a minimum.  In the worst case, there is the option to apply to the Home Office for financial support should the costs exceed 1.0% of North Yorkshire Police’s budget, or about £1.5m, but I believe that is highly unlikely to happen.”