The Lancaster MP has slammed claims by the Business Secretary that opposition to fracking is funded by Russia.
Jacob Rees-Mogg was addressing parliament earlier today after it was confirmed that the moratorium on drilling for shale gas, introduced in 2019, was to end.
The government has lifted a ban on fracking for shale gas, even though a review concluded that forecasting related earthquakes "remains a scientific challenge".
Business and energy secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said strengthening the UK's energy security is "an absolute priority" in light of "Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of energy".
Cat Smith was critical of the move, telling him: ‘’It appears that the only person who believes fracking will lower gas prices is the Secretary of State. It’s certainly not backed up by anyone in the industry and there’s no question of the environmentally damaging nature if fracking.
‘’But one thing (he) is perhaps not aware of is the strength of opposition to fracking in communities like mine on Lancashire, where sites at Preston New Road and Roseacre have seen a huge police presence just to manage the protesting.
‘’There is absolutely no public support for fracking, so I’d like to ask the Secretary of State if he can be very clear to my constituents if they will be given the decision on whether or not fracking happens in Lancashire?
In response, the Secretary of State said: ‘’A number of people have said that fracking is environmentally unfriendly, but it is more friendly from importing LNG from abroad, it is a lower carbon footprint and this is fundamentally important.
‘’And I’m well aware there have been objections to fracking. But I also note there have been stories widely reported that some of the opposition to fracking has been funded by Mr Putin’s regime.’’
Ms Smith slammed the response, later saying: ‘’The Secretary of State has been drinking from the fracking Kool-Aid if he thinks Lancashire is crying out for this dangerous and environmentally damaging experiment.
‘’I really need to work on my poker face when listening to unhinged responses from him.’’
The government claims the gas could start flowing within six months, but experts say it could take a decade, doing little to enhance energy security or lower bills. Its climate advisors have warned of the risk of locking the country into fossil fuel infrastructure when it should be transitioning to green energy.
Morecambe chairman confirms club will stay ‘full time professional’ following National League relegation
Tyson Fury confirms he's left Morecambe saying home was targeted by "crackpots"
Funding boost will help Morecambe businesses stay in touch to keep town safe
Donation helps Friends of Lancaster school's uniform project for families
Truck on its side after two-vehicle crash on M6 near Lancaster
Police seize unsafe car in Morecambe after disqualified driver travelled from London
Lancaster hotel team to tackle Lancashire peaks for charity
Work under way on new mural to celebrate Eric Morecambe's centenary
WATCH: YouTuber on bar crawl around Britain visits 22 Morecambe pubs in one day
Plans go in for throwback over 55s co-housing community in Lancaster
Trains between Preston and Lancaster to be suspended as upgrade works continue
LISTEN: Police inspector vows to crack down on spate of motorbike thefts by youths
Morecambe FC unveil Lancashire based new kit supplier
Lancaster and Morecambe police trained in use of life saving spray
Lancaster & Morecambe College secures £574K boost from government
Morecambe FC club shop and online store closes down after supplier deal ends
Safety warning issued after debris spotted falling from building in Carnforth
New pasta bar 'Pimp Your Pasta' opening in Morecambe
Lancaster Bus Station timetables fixed at last
Sadness as Heysham public toilets trashed by vandals days after reopening again
