Gas Plant Threatens Main Land As Well As Canvey

Canvey MP, Dr Bob Spink, praises PAM & puts the Calor plans into perspective

The Battle of the Gas Works

Canvey people rule, ok!   We won the first round in the Battle of the Gas Works.

Our victory was all down to PAM, People Against Methane; they’re the real stars, fighting the Gas Works for us all.

We sometimes joke that Parliament is known as the ‘Gas Works’ because it is full of hot air; but we must not be flippant about our local Gas Works.    We are now grappling with a massive decision for Government ministers, balancing dubious national interest against the obvious dangers to our small community.

As expected, we easily cleared the local planning hurdle, thanks to PAM, the public, our campaigning local press and councillors who, by petitioning, speaking publicly against the plans or voting them down, did the right thing.   I thank each councillor who, in their own way, made an important contribution.

There have been futile attempts to claim credit for the victory and attempts at party political point scoring.   Even worse there has been some pathetic personal abuse.  Canvey people are not fools; we are not impressed by these silly political and personal games.   

The real battle, the Public Inquiry is coming and, believe me, this is serious stuff, we don’t need silly distractions or high-handed attitudes.   Everyone who aspires to care for our community must pull together to stop the Gas Plant proposal.

An accident is very, very unlikely… but the consequences would be horrendous.

We must not be alarmist; a serious incident is very, very unlikely, just as it was at Buncefield.   But the consequences would be horrendous and may extend well beyond our island.   The emergency services tell me they have no means of tackling, either before or after ignition, a large LNG vapour cloud escape that ‘floats’ in the wind and may quickly move over mainland areas as well as Canvey.  They would simply attend, after the holocaust, to clean up!

In these circumstances, given the many nearby homes and schools, we cannot accept the risk.  So, the sooner we get a public inquiry, the sooner we can defeat the threat.

What Happens Next

Calor say they will appeal and PAM will, thankfully, continue to lead the opposition.   PAM is non-political; they are simply doing what is right.   They are holding a referendum and need your support.    I will be helping them, if you can join us for just a few hours, please let me know.  

As your MP, I will defend you.   You know my style; I am tough, dead straight and will not take prisoners in fighting for you.    I stand shoulder to shoulder with you.   And I ask for and expect nothing in return.

I will continue to raise the Gas Works in Parliament, presenting your petitions and letters, getting answers and taking delegations to Westminster to see Ministers.  The massive, ‘10,000 Canvey Independent Petition’ remains very important and persuasive, but more petitions would be welcome.

On behalf of PAM, I will ask the Government about their lack of policy for evaluating new LNG plants and the HSE’s lack of policy for assessing LNG risks.   I have already held a meeting on the current Calor operations, involving all emergency services and safety authorities.   I will hold a further meeting with PAM and all these bodies to ensure we can defend our island.

If I can help you personally on any matter at all, just let me know, I will always do my best for you.   But may I ask you to help me?    I know you care about our island and our safety, so please write a note to object to any appeal.    Send your letters (one per person not one per household please, but one envelope is fine) to me at the House of Commons.   I will make best use of these letters and present them to the Inspector and to the Ministers responsible.    

I am sincerely grateful to all those who work with PAM, fighting our corner.   Let me introduce their organisers:

George Whatley  Chair  01268 684162  
Irene Willis   Secretary
Peter Jolly
Bill Deal
Roy Kimpton           
Chris Ball
Chris McLaughlin   Fund Raiser
Nicola Marshall
Bob Gregory

They do not seek personal publicity or thanks, but they do need your help, so please contact us if you can do a little. 

Finally, PAM need cash for leaflets, etc.   I am holding a PAM fund raising event, a spectacular Indian meal with fabulous entertainment, only £12  on Thursday 2nd Nov; please let me know if you can come or sponsor us, and thank you again for any support you can give on this issue.