Chris Coghlan Welcomes halt to Horse Hill Drilling

Chris Coghlan, Liberal Democrat MP for Dorking & Horley, has welcomed the news that UK Oil & Gas (UKOG) has suspended production at the Horse Hill oil site. This halt comes four months after the Supreme Court denied the company’s planning permission, thanks largely to persistent campaigning by local residents and community groups as well as pressure from Chris himself.

However, the situation raises concerns about Surrey County Council's role in permitting the oil production to continue. Chris questioned the council's actions, emphasising that even after the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Council allowed drilling to go on, leaving residents to fill the gap in holding UKOG accountable. Troublingly, as recently as 16 October, Surrey Council representatives were seen visiting the Horse Hill site, engaging with UKOG representatives, and seemingly allowing operations to proceed.

Chris commended the dedication of community activists and the media, who played a vital role in questioning the legitimacy of ongoing drilling. "Their unwavering efforts helped protect our countryside from further exploitation," he stated.

To watch Chris call on UKOG to halt the drilling on channel 4, the day before they finally did, please watch here:

www.channel4.com/news/oil-well-still-pumping-after-uk-supreme-court-ruled-plans-unlawful