Fast track fracking proposals undermine democracy and bypass scrutiny, MPs told
Government proposals designed to speed-up fracking decisions are unclear, inappropriate and unjustified, a group of planning experts have said.
Reporting of the politics at national and local level of the shale gas and fracking debate
Government proposals designed to speed-up fracking decisions are unclear, inappropriate and unjustified, a group of planning experts have said.
Several shale gas wells in production would be seen as success by the government, according to recently released notes of a round-table meeting between the energy minister and the industry.
The energy minister who promotes economic benefits of shale gas has not visited a site, she said this week. She also appears to have back-tracked on hints that she might relax rules on earthquakes induced by fracking.
The energy minister, Claire Perry, has described shale gas as “entirely consistent” with UK measures to a low-carbon future.
The justice secretary has been urged to investigate whether the judge who jailed three anti-fracking protesters last month followed an official code of conduct.
The Conservative MP whose constituency has the largest number of shale gas licences told a packed hall of constituents he opposed government proposals that could relax the rules for exploration sites.
The pro-fracking former Labour MP, Natascha Engel, is the new commissioner for shale gas, the government announced this afternoon.
This year’s Conservative conference, which starts in Birmingham on Sunday (30/9/18), is expected to see two events about fracking and a rally by opponents of shale gas.
This post is tracking politician comments, council votes and petition signatures on government proposals to change the planning rules for shale gas developments in England.
Government proposals to make changes to the planning rules for shale gas and fracking are to come under scrutiny at a meeting of MPs next month.