WARRINGTON South MP Andy Carter has defended his decision to allow local communities to decide on whether to allow fracking after coming under fire from his Labour parliamentary rival Sarah Hall.
Warrington South’s Labour parliamentary candidate accused Mr Carter of not listening to his constituents’ concerns, putting places like Rixton, Woolston and Penketh in danger.
She also said Prime Minister Liz Truss had gone back on a Conservative manifesto to ban the practice with 326 MPs voting in favour of fracking – the practice of forcing water at high pressure into the ground to extract fossil fuels. The risky process was banned after earthquakes in Lancashire was linked to drilling activity.
She said national media had reported that Conservative ministers could bypass local opposition by designating fracking sites as nationally significant infrastructure and that the Labour party was strongly opposed to fracking.
Ms Hall said: “Fracking won’t solve the energy security or price crisis. The shale gas extracted by fracking would make no difference to gas prices, not to mention It’s a more expensive alternative to renewables
“It’s deeply worrying that Andy Carter has not listened to his constituents’ concerns, putting party politics above local working people. Just another broken Tory promise.
“The Conservatives’ credibility has gone, Liz Truss’ credibility has gone, and Andy Carter’s credibility has gone. It’s time for a general election.
But Mr Carter responded: “The vote last night itself would not ban fracking, Labour’s claims to say it would are simply wrong and designed to mislead. It was all about Labour trying to take control of the business in Parliament. It’s the Government of the day that decides business, not the opposition.
“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting restrictions on gas supply to Europe have sent global energy prices soaring and the prospect of annual domestic energy bills topping £6,000 per year means we should look carefully at how we futureproof the UK’s energy security and develop domestic sources to reduce our reliance on gas imports which we will need for many years to come.
“That said, I’ve read conflicting detailed reports on fracking, I know it provides a reliable supply for countries like the US, but I’m mindful their geography is different. If we are to proceed in this country then extracting shale gas should only go ahead where there is local support, obtained through a local referendum that can be independently verified. If areas potentially impacted by drilling don’t want to proceed, then I will support that decision.
Mr Carter said: “Last night the Government agreed to consult on how best to understand the views of local communities and those most directly affected, including Local Councils and Parishes. Once we have a scheme for gauging local consent Parliament will vote on it.”
