Council debates fracking Call for complete ban

Councillors voted to back a motion in support of an outright ban on fracking at the latest North Lanarkshire meeting.

Green representative Frances McGlinchey called on “the Scottish Government to support an outright ban on fracking and unconventional gas extraction (UGE) ” and “opposing any measures to introduce” them.

Her motion added: “North Lanarkshire is committed to opposing fracking and UGE with any means available.”

The Strathkelvin councillor said: “We need to look after our planet, and that’s why we want an outright ban and not a temporary moratorium.”

It was supported by the ruling Labour group, having been seconded by Airdrie North representative Andrew Spowart, who said: “We have to set an example to other councils across the country.”

SNP opposition members unsuccessfully proposed an amendment noting that Holyrood has imposed a moratorium on fracking.

It also noted that “the Scottish Government would potentially be open to legal challenge if it were to put a ban in place before completing research programme and the promised public consultation”.

Fortissat councillor Tommy Cochrane, who chairs an anti- fracking group, called the successful motion “ill thought out” and said: “I must condemn this gung- ho approach to this very dangerous industrial process.

“Green and Labour councillors were using this contentious industrial process for pointless, political point-scoring.”