Labour MPs have forced the Conservative-led Government into a major U-turn on the regulations on fracking for shale gas. On the debate on the Infrastructure Bill in the House of Commons, Labour moved a motion to prevent fracking unless much tougher protections were brought in.

In a last minute move to prevent a vote on Labour’s proposals, the Conservative-led Government accepted the measures into the Infrastructure Bill. Labour’s measures will bring in a system of more robust regulation and comprehensive inspection which have to be in place before any exploration or fracking for shale gas can go ahead.

Barbara said:

“There have been major issues over the weakness of regulation of the shale gas industry. This allowed exploratory drilling at Barton Moss without the assurance of environmental assessments or baseline monitoring or disclosure of emissions from the site. The Conservative-led Government has had a cavalier approach to this industry and this will now change due to Labour’s action.

Barton Moss is close to Chat Moss which is a precious green-belt resource for Salford. Labour’s measures will also mean that groundwater protection source zones have to be protected from fracking.

Barton Moss was never a suitable site for such an industrial activity and I will continue to campaign against any further use of this site in future.”