Activists say the reimposition of the fracking ban is “a major victory for common sense” as Rishi Sunak reverses the recent green light on the controversial energy source.
The UK prime minister’s official spokesman said Mr Sunak was committed to effectively banning fracking as set out in his 2019 election manifesto, after he came under pressure on the issue in his first prime minister.
The Prime Minister told the Commons he “backed” the manifesto, which said the Conservatives would not support fracking unless science made it clear it could be done safely.
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At the beginning of this year, England’s more than a decade of controversy over fracking appeared to be coming to an end, with news that the country’s only two shale wells would be abandoned.
But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked calls for a reconsideration, with former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Trass lifting the ban during her brief tenure as she believes it will bolster the country’s energy supplies.
The move has drawn widespread criticism from environmentalists, opposition parties and some Conservative MPs who have potential fracking zones in their constituencies.
The chaotic scenes over last week’s Labour vote on the issue led to Ms Truss’ downfall.
Green MP Caroline Lucas asked Mr Sunak in the House of Commons on Wednesday whether he would reverse the fracking given by Liz Truss, pointing to his promise to right her wrong and Uphold the 2019 manifesto.
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“So, if he’s a man of his word, will he reverse her green light on fracking first, because it’s definitely not proven safe, but maintain the moratorium he promised in that manifesto?”
The Prime Minister replied: “I have said that I support the declaration in this regard.”
Friends of the Earth energy campaigner Danny Gross said: “This is a remarkable victory for common sense, the environment and local communities across the country who have weathered the threat of fracking.
“The government must now focus on real solutions to the energy crisis, including street-by-street home insulation schemes and developing the UK’s vast potential for onshore wind and solar production.”
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The shift against fracking has also been welcomed by the Green Tories.
Sam Hall, director of the Conservative Environment Network, said: “It’s unpopular and very few communities will approve fracking projects locally, meaning little or no gas will be extracted despite the high political costs.
“Instead, the government should focus on building cheaper and more popular renewable energy sources, including onshore wind and solar with local support.
“These technologies will lower bills, increase energy sovereignty and reduce emissions.”
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But shadow climate and net zero secretary Ed Miliband said the Conservatives could not be trusted with fracking.
“Last week Rishi Sunak voted against Labour’s fracking ban, but this week his spokesman told us he was in favour of a temporary moratorium on fracking in the Conservative manifesto.
“Whatever their latest position is, the fact is that the Conservatives have shown that they cannot be trusted on fracking.
“The only way to guarantee that fracking will be permanently banned is to elect a Labour government.”
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Emily Beament is the PA Environmental Correspondent. Martina Bet is a reporter for PA.
