Fife MSP claims Scottish fracking ban has moved a step closer

A Fife MSP believes Scotland is a step closer to banning fracking in Scotland.

Claire Baker, who has long campaigned against fracking and underground coal gasification, hailed the announcement that a Member’s Bill to outlaw the controversial practice will be brought forward.

The Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP said more than 1,000 people responded to a public consultation for this Bill being pursued by Claudia Beamish MSP, one of the highest response rates in Scottish Parliament history. Of those, 87% favoured a ban.

The Scottish Government has introduced a moratorium on fracking but has so far not ruled out introducing the practice, despite public opposition.

A Labour motion to ban fracking in Scotland was last year backed by Parliament, with support from Lib Dems and the Greens.

Mrs Baker said: “With confirmation that a Member’s Bill will be brought forward, we are now one step closer to banning fracking across Mid Scotland and Fife. Despite numerous calls to do so, the SNP has stopped short of introducing a full ban on onshore fracking. So Scottish Labour will do it.

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

“Instead, we should be focusing on clean, green jobs in renewables that would benefit local economies.“

“Many across Mid Scotland and Fife are rightly concerned about the potential health implications of unconventional oil and gas extraction,” she said.

“The people of Scotland do not want it and our environment does not need it.”