Government "regrets" lack of safety in Groningen gas extraction

The government acknowledges and regrets that not enough attention was paid to the safety of Groningen in the past, Minister Henk Kamp (Economic Affairs) said in Groningen on behalf of the Cabinet yesterday.

"What is happening in Groningen touches me deeply. I am aware of the severity of the problem and feel responsible for ensuring that the necessary measures are taken." the Minister said. He acknowledged that every one involved in the gas extraction should have paid more attention to the safety of the Groningen and he regrets that it happened the way it did. "I am very sorry that the safety interests of the Groningen residents did not get the attention they deserved. Safety is paramount now and I will do everything to achieve the improvements asked for by the Groningen residents."