Surrey oil court case: A victory for local people against the Government and oil barons

EMBARGO: Immediate release

Today, the High Court has made a landmark decision, by granting permission for a Judicial Review against a new oil field in Surrey's green hills. 

Michael Gove's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities defended the new oil field in Dunsfold (Surrey), but lost to local groups including Liberal Democrat run Waverely Borough Council. 

Reacting to the decision in the High Court, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said: 

"This is a victory for local people who stood up to both the Government and powerful oil barons.

"I am proud of Liberal Democrat run Waverley Council who took this to the highest court in the land and secured a landmark decision for their community. 

"It is shameful that Conservative Ministers and even Conservative MPs in Surrey have backed this new ghastly new oil field. It is disgraceful that Michael Gove has dragged this to the High Court instead of listening to the concerns of local people across Surrey. 

"Surrey's green hills must be protected at all costs. We cannot lose a treasured part of the country to polluting and profiteering firms who have no regard for the environment. The Conservative Government must now listen."

ENDS