Fracking companies can “railroad” through their interests because the Environment Agency has been “drained” of resources, a Labour energy spokesperson told delegates at the party’s conference.
Rathlin Energy has suspended the extended well test at its West Newton well site in East Yorkshire – just a week after the start.
MPs from both sides of parliament have called on the government to announce it has abandoned plans to relax the planning rules on shale gas schemes.
The government’s new shale gas commissioner, Natascha Engel, is to meet representatives of residents living near Cuadrilla’s existing and proposed fracking sites in Lancashire.
Opponents of government proposals to change the planning rules for shale gas developments have been taking part in protest events across England this week.
The leader of Conservative-controlled Derbyshire County Council has said government plans designed to fast-track shale gas will cut local authorities out of decisions with the biggest impact on communities.
Campaigners who failed to block an injunction against protests outside Cuadrilla’s Lancashire fracking site said the fight was not over. But they said case law and the cost of legal action were major hurdles.
