I HAVE read with concern the continuing discussion regarding the potential extraction of gas from the Dee Estuary.

Wirral West MP Esther McVey asserts that there will be no extraction of gas from the estuary, yet a licence has been granted by the government to look into doing just that.

If Ms McVey's assertion is true, why does she not simply withdraw the licence?

This would ensure that nothing can happen in the estuary, now or in the future. Regardless of what local politicians state, the potential for development in the estuary remains, as the Conservative government can overrule our local decisions.

This government has made it very clear that fracking and gas extraction is very much at the top of their priority list. Until this changes, the Dee Estuary remains under threat.

James Smith, Meols.