Sunak confirms the ban on fracking is back – York Lib Dems welcome move

PM Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the moratorium on fracking in England is back.

Former PM Liz Truss had said she was lifting the ban, in areas where fracking was wanted, as she argued it would strengthen the country’s energy supply.

The new prime minister’s official spokesman confirmed the move Mr Sunak was questioned on the issue by Green Party Brighton MP Caroline Lucas at his first Prime Minister’s Questions.

He told the Commons he “stands by” the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto and insisted his government would deliver on what was agreed at the UN Cop26 Glasgow climate talks.

Liberal Democrat Councillors in York have welcomed the news.

Earlier last week, with unanimous support at a meeting of Full Council, City of York Council took a stand against fracking in York.

Councillor Tony Fisher commented:

“This much needed u-turn is victory for our communities, environment and common sense. We will continue to put pressure on the new PM to honour this decision and his manifesto promise.

“I have campaigned against fracking for years now – I know very well that there is no local support for fracking in our communities.

“Fracking poses unacceptable risks to people, the climate and the environment, bringing with it the potential threat of earthquakes, water pollution, and green spaces transforming into industrial landscapes. Fracking is also not the solution to the energy crisis.

“This u-turn does not however erase the fact that York Outer MP Julian Sturdy betrayed his constituents and voted against a ban on fracking just last week. I am sure that the residents of York Outer will remember his decision to put his party first and back the sinking ship that was Liz Truss’ government rather than his own communities.

“We were clear on behalf of our city: fracking is wrong for the country, it’s wrong for the environment, and the people of York will not support it.”

The Fracking issue finally brought the Truss government down after Labour tabled an opposition day motion calling for a draft law to ban fracking.

Tory party whips said the motion was actually a vote of confidence in the government and told Conservative MPs they had to vote against it. If they didn’t then they would face being suspended.

Many of them and their constituents are opposed to fracking and said they could not vote to support the extraction of gas from under their land. It led to accusations of ‘bullying’ in the commons.