Your views on fracking

Fracking is an issue that has provoked a heated and controversial debate, and one on which many people hold strong opinions.

In contrast to the Tory Government’s approach at Westminster, the Scottish Government has taken steps to gather detailed evidence and proceed very cautiously in considering whether fracking for unconventional oil and gas should be allowed as part of Scotland’s energy mix.

I am pleased that the Scottish Government is committed to giving communities a say in the process through this public consultation, and I would urge everybody who has an opinion on fracking to take part and make their voice heard.

Throughout the consultation process the fracking moratorium in Scotland will continue to be in place, before a final decision is taken on unconventional oil and gas by the end of the year.

It’s vital that local people make their views on this issue known, and that the Scottish Government has clear evidence of the balance of public opinion on whether fracking should continue to be prevented in Scotland.

A consultation will run until May 31, and responses can be submitted online via https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/.

A new website has also been set up at www.talkingfracking.scot/ with additional information and resources about the issue.

Margaret Ferrier MP, Rutherglen and Hamilton West