Reporting of the politics at national and local level of the shale gas and fracking debate
Moving decisions on fracking plans to a national level contradicts the principles of localism and would probably exacerbate mistrust between communities and the industry, MPs said today.
A new parliamentary group has called for evidence on how fracking could affect former coal mining areas.
Government proposals to take shale gas decisions out of the local planning system could result in a “one-size-fits all” approach with unrestricted drilling and fracking, a new parliamentary group has been told.
Fracking Week in Parliament: DrillOrDrop review of parliamentary questions and debates. The Environment Minister, David Rutley, was questioned in parliament this week about consulting the public on fracking.
The Labour MP, Louise Haigh (left), has questioned the government about the basis of the written ministerial statement, issued earlier this month, on shale gas and fracking.
Politicians are calling for evidence on the cumulative effects of shale gas exploration and extraction.
MPs from former mining areas are among supporters of a parliamentary motion calling for 500m gaps between fracking and ex collieries.
Government ministers were questioned by MPs last night about their proposals to take fracking decisions out of local control and scrap the need for planning applications for exploration sites.
Ministers are considering taking fracking decisions in England out of local control and allowing shale gas exploration wells to be drilled without the need for planning applications.
Fracking Week in Parliament 1 The Scottish Government has been urged to stop exploration for shale gas by Ineos in an area between Glasgow and Falkirk.
DRILL OR DROP? 