The decision generated a range of reactions, with the green lobby fervently hoping that this is a forever decision.
But it’s nothing of the sort. Should the Tories be voted back into power on December 12, sooner or later an attempt will be made to remove the shackles, allowing the shale gas quest onshore UK to restart, making a mockery of the party’s greenwash pledges made during the current election campaign.
Protests will begin again and become increasingly well organised when Cuadrilla tries to resume operations at Little Plumpton.