Emma joined Labour MPs on Monday (26 January) to block Tory plans to fast-track fracking, and forced the Government into an embarrassing retreat.
Labour tabled an amendment to the Infrastructure Bill to place strict conditions that would have to be met before fracking could go ahead.
Labour’s conditions require every fracking site to be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, outlaw fracking entirely in certain areas, limit the chemicals that can be used in the process and create a strong independent inspection regime. The amendments have been welcomed by environmental groups including Friends of the Earth and the RSPB.
Thanks to the work of Labour MPs the Government was forced to accept these conditions. This now means that fracking will not be able to go ahead unless strict environmental and safety conditions are met.
Labour believes fracking may have a role to play in Britain’s energy future, but is clear that there are legitimate environmental and safety concerns that need to be addressed first. This is in strong contrast to the Tory party’s position – without Labour pressure David Cameron would have been able to fast-track fracking proposals against the wishes of residents and campaigners.
Emma said:
“I’m pleased that Labour have been able to put the brakes on the Tories’ rush towards fracking. Fracking potentially has a role to play in our energy future, but it should only go ahead if it can be shown to be safe and environmentally friendly. The changes Labour has secured today mean that those conditions will need to be met before fracking takes place in the UK.”