The Lancaster MP has accused the government of a ‘political stunt’, as fears grow about the future of fracking in Lancashire.
Cat Smith probed the energy minister in the Commons this week following the decision by the government to commission a survey into fracking, with the British Geological Survey (BGS) commissioned "to advise on the latest scientific advice around shale gas extraction".
In 2019 ministers placed a moratorium on the process, which pumps water, chemicals and sand underground at high pressure to fracture shale rock and release trapped oil and gas.
That decision followed tremors above the legal levels set out during testing at a site at Preston New Road near Blackpool. Earlier this month, energy producer Cuadrilla had a deadline to plug its three shale gas testing wells in Lancashire extended to June 2023. It had previously been ordered to concrete up the wells by 30 June this year after the effective fracking ban in 2019.
But the issue of fracking has arisen again as the government tries to reduce soaring energy bills and secure its own oil and gas supplies in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In the Commons, addressed Kwasi Kwarteng directly, saying:
‘’During the general election in 2019 the Government said that fracking in Lancashire was going to be off the table, there was a moratorium and the wells were going to be filled with concrete.
‘’Can I ask the Secretary of State, what has changed between 2019 and now to put it back on the table?
‘’What on earth did he get from COP26?
Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, replied:
‘’There has been an issue with the wholesale gas price, in that it has gone up about ten times in that time.
‘’It seems entirely reasonable that if we have gas under our feet, we look at the possibility of using it.’’
In a statement, Ms Smith later added: ‘’The moratorium was about safety. Nothing was said in 2019 about wholesale gas prices. The moratorium on fracking was a political stunt for votes in the last general election.
‘’Local people don’t want it, there’s no jobs, and it wouldn’t come on stream fast enough to lower energy bills. Renewables are faster, cleaner and sustainable.’’
Earlier this month it was revealed that Heysham nuclear power production could be extended after the site was named in a major new UK government energy strategy.
Up to eight more nuclear reactors could be approved across these sites in the coming years, with the government now aiming to deliver the equivalent of one reactor per year, rather than one a decade.
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
