Reporting of the politics at national and local level of the shale gas and fracking debate
The government’s long-awaited Energy White Paper, published today, warned the oil and gas sector it “must go considerably faster in reducing its own carbon footprint or risk losing its social licence to operate”.
Two Ineos companies are among the UK’s most energy-intensive industries to receive millions of pounds in compensation for the costs of carbon emission schemes.
A wide-ranging review of the onshore petroleum licensing system in Northern Ireland is underway, the economy minister, Diane Dodds, said this afternoon.
Two Conservative MPs who opposed fracking in their constituencies have won their campaigns, the energy minister, Kwasi Kwarteng, told parliament tonight.
The government’s controversial Brexit legislation could override the wishes of people in Scotland and Northern Ireland on fracking, MPs have warned.
The MP for an area with two potential shale gas sites is expected to call in parliament for a permanent ban on fracking in his constituency.
MPs have promised to monitor how quickly the government implements recommendations of the UK’s citizens’ assembly on climate change.
A key part of the UK government’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been opposed by the first citizens’ assembly on climate change.
County councillors in East Yorkshire have rejected calls to declare a climate emergency for a second time.
The UK has “once-in-a lifetime opportunity” to move to a low-carbon future and stimulate the economy after the Covid-19 outbreak, the government’s climate adviser said today.
