Fracking under national parks backed by MPs
Controversial stuff this although we have been mining and quarrying in national parks for centuries….
MPs have voted to allow fracking for shale gas 1,200m below national parks and other protected sites.
The new regulations – which allow drilling from outside the protected areas – were approved by 298 to 261
Opposition parties and campaigners criticised the lack of a Commons debate – and accused ministers of a U-turn as they previously pledged an outright ban on fracking in national parks.
The government said its plans would protect “our most precious landscapes”.
It said the UK had “one of the best track records in the world for protecting our environment while developing our industries”.
Ballot papers
MPs overwhelmingly rejected a bid to suspend drilling for shale gas in a Commons vote in January, during which ministers also pledged an “outright ban” on fracking in national parks.
Labour has said the government’s plans, contained in a draft regulation, represent a U-turn on this commitment, and called for stronger safeguards.
The proposals, first set out in July, would only allow fracking 1,200m below national parks, Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and World Heritage Sites.