SNP ‘ bid to dodge fracking decision’

THE SNP was last night accused of ‘rigging’ its conference agenda to avoid an embarrassing debate on fracking.

Friends of the Earth Scotland said the issue had been excluded from the agenda despite being lodged by ‘at least 20 SNP branches’.

In the autumn conference, SNP delegates queued up to attack drilling for shale gas in a debate on the Scottish Government moratorium, with calls for a permanent ban only narrowly defeated.

Not one member spoke in favour of fracking and Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing was conspicuous by his absence.

When the Scottish Government moratorium was announced, Nicola Sturgeon was holding talks with INEOS boss Jim Ratcliffe – who has claimed he received assurances that ministers ‘are not opposed’ to the idea. That has raised suspicions that the

‘Rigged the agenda of the spring conference’

SNP is trying to put off a decision until after the Scottish elections to avoid a backlash at the polls.

INEOS has already warned the Government’s posturing on the issue has cost Scotland billions as England steals a march in the race to extract unconventional gas through deep underground drilling.

Richard Dixon, director of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: ‘It is disgraceful that the SNP have rigged the agenda of the spring conference to avoid a debate that would embarrass the leadership.

‘At last year’s autumn conference, at least 20 branches backed a motion calling for a complete ban on unconventional fossil fuels, including fracking. Community campaigners and party members across the country will be deeply disappointed with the SNP today.’

Labour urged the SNP to make clear its position on fracking before the Holyrood elections in May.

An SNP spokesman said: ‘Fracking was discussed by conference just three months ago and a position agreed. We don’t hold another debate on the same subject at each conference.’