THE co-leader of the Green Party has accused Kirby Misperton fracking firm Third Energy of being ‘tax-dodgers’.

Jonathan Bartley, who leads the party alongside Brighton MP Caroline Lucas, visited the gates of the well-site on Friday.

He said that Third Energy Holdings, the parent company of Third Energy, keeps its wealth offshore in the Cayman Islands tax haven.

Documents show it is registered at Ugland House, a building on South Church Street in George Town, the Cayman Islands. The five-storey building is the registered office address for around 19,000 business entities.

Mr Bartley said: “The Government is using tax payers’ money to subsidise tax-dodging frackers. All fossil fuel subsidies are unacceptable but to use taxes to help a company keeping its wealth in an offshore tax haven is obscene.

“Fracking is dirty, dangerous and unnecessary. It will destroy our climate commitments and leave us dependent on fossil fuel for years to come.

“The Government should be investing in modern, clean energy for the future.”

But a spokesperson for Third Energy said: “As our trade association has pointed out, Mr Bartley needs to be aware of the facts – all UK profits from oil and gas companies onshore are ring-fenced as part of the tax rules meaning that UK profits are subject to UK tax.

“The corporation tax for UK onshore oil and gas companies is currently set at 30 per cent, significantly in excess of normal corporation tax.

“In addition, the industry has committed to a substantial payment to local communities based on the revenue it generates. The Government will also ensure that all business rates will go directly to local councils.

“Any accusations of ‘tax dodging’ are without substance. Third Energy UK is registered in the UK, complies with all UK tax policies and we pay our taxes here.”

Mr Bartley’s speech to protesters at the gates of the well-site was interrupted when he was forcibly moved by police.

After being moved, he carried on talking to protesters at the site, and tweeted: “Well that was interesting. Never been pushed over and dragged away by police while giving a speech before.”

Superintendent Alisdair Dey, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “A number of people were standing, sitting and lying in the road outside the hydraulic fracturing site at 1.15pm today. Officers explained they were blocking the road, and asked them to move on several occasions, but they refused to do so. Several people were then moved by officers.”

This article was amended November 15.