Strong support for Labour bid to ban fracking in public consultation

Fracking - Image credit: Fotolia

A bid by Labour MSP Claudia Beamish to ban fracking has had strong support from the Scottish public.

There is currently a moratorium on fracking in Scotland, but a public consultation by Beamish found that 87 per cent of respondents were in favour of a ban.

More than 1,000 people responding to the consultation – one of the highest response rates in Scottish Parliament history. 

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The Labour MSP and environment spokesperson will now go ahead with her member’s bill to change the law to ban onshore fracking outright in Scotland. 

Last year the Scottish Parliament backed a Scottish Labour motion calling for the fracking to be banned outright. 

Beamish MSP said: “There is a loud and clear message from this consultation – the overwhelming majority do not want fracking in Scotland, and have raised profound concerns about the potential environmental impact if it is allowed. 

“The climate science is irrefutable. Scotland does not need a new fossil fuel as we shift towards a low carbon economy.

“Most respondees argued that we should be focussing on the development of jobs in the renewables industries.

“Many are also concerned about the potential health implications of unconventional oil and gas extraction. 

“This is about Scotland’s future, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the condition we leave our planet in for our children and our grandchildren.”

The results have been welcomed by the Scottish Greens.

Green MSP Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell MSP: “This show of public support is very welcome because it’s an issue Greens have been campaigning on tirelessly since 2014 and I’m pleased to now welcome Labour’s support.

“Whether we ban this dangerous practice with a member’s bill, or a government ban, the most important aspect is that it must be legally watertight.

“The current ‘moratorium’ isn’t ideal and the Scottish Government really needs to get a move on, conclude its consultation as quickly as possible and come to an early decision so communities across Scotland have certainty.”