The Lancaster MP has welcomed a government announcement about moves to permanently ban fracking.
There is currently a moratorium – a temporary suspension – in the UK on the practice, which involves drilling and then extracting gas from rock by injecting into it water, sand and chemicals under high pressure.
The current ban was introduced in 2019 after concerns about fracking-induced earth tremors in Fylde, at a site operated by Cuadrilla on Preston New Road.
On Wednesday Labour announced that it will speed up its move to ban fracking once and for all, at its annual conference.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced that the Government will legislate for a ban on fracking at the earliest opportunity.
Laying out a clear intent to protect local communities and the natural environment, Miliband pledged that Labour will launch a campaign in nearly 200 constituencies to “Send the Frackers Packing”, after Reform UK has pledged to bring back fracking.
Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, has campaigned against fracking, and said: “Lancashire deserves better than to be treated as an experiment for a failed industry by Reform, and I’m delighted the Labour government are protecting residents.
‘’We secured a ban on fracking for good reason. It doesn't lower energy bills, it doesn't create jobs, earthquakes devalue homes, water contamination harms public health, and drilling the earth damages our environment.
The Government’s forthcoming ban will prevent fracking from taking place anywhere in the UK, ensuring the 187 constituencies that sit above shale gas areas are protected from dangerous, unsafe operations.
Speaking at Labour Party Conference, Ed Miliband said: "Fracking will not take a penny off bills. It will not create long-term sustainable jobs. It will trash our climate commitments, and it is dangerous and deeply harmful to our natural environment.
"The good news is that communities have fought back and won this fight before and will do so again.
"Friends, we sent those frackers packing. I say: let's ban fracking and vow to send this bunch of frackers packing too."
Car crashes into other vehicles after making off from police in Morecambe
Ban on dogs on Morecambe beaches lifted
Crews tackle commercial premises fire on Morecambe industrial estate
Morecambe Punk Festival receives grant boost
Lancaster community bar scoops three awards
Hospital team smashes Rehab 500 charity challenge
Plans submitted to turn Carnforth depot into padel courts
Plans for 23 new homes in village near Lancaster approved
Business leaders back Lancaster council merger with Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde in local government shake up
Funeral details announced for popular former councillor and champion of Morecambe
Women's clothing store in Lancaster shopping centre to close
Morecambe FC appoints supporters' champion as new Director of Fan Engagement
Lancaster nightclub to reopen under new 'LA1' name
£20m boost for West End of Morecambe as people get more power to tackle eyesores
Live bus updates coming to stops in Morecambe and Carnforth
Help with housing in later life on offer at event in Morecambe
Open day to celebrate new Morecambe gym in memory of teenage boxing champion
LISTEN: Singing author from Lancaster releases new book about positive ageing
New Japanese ramen restaurant to open in Lancaster city centre
