Protesters in Aberystwyth and New Quay have called on authorities to rule out any possibility of testing for oil and gas in Cardigan Bay.

While energy company Eni UK has withdrawn its application for an exploration for fossil fuels using seismic testing in the Bay, protesters on Saturday said they wanted to ensure that no such testing ever took place.

That call has been repeated by local politicians, with Labour regional AM Joyce Watson receiving an assurance from First Minister Mark Drakeford that the Welsh Government would oppose any similar plan, and Plaid Cymru’s regional AM Helen Mary Jones calling for the Welsh Government to alter its draft marine plan to ensure no extraction of fossil fuels can take place in the future.

As part of the protest, there was a range of activities held on Aberystwyth prom, along with a procession through the town and banners unveiled by the bandstand, and with similar activities in New Quay.

Andrew Lewis, the co-ordinator for Aberystwyth Extinction Rebellion, said: “It is great news that the seismic survey for oil and gas has been suspended, but the threat has not gone away.

“There is a great deal of positive and determined energy in Wales in relation to protecting our seas.

“The time has come to have a complete ban on prospecting for oil and to leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong.”

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