SNP MSPs urged to back fracking ban

Labour has challenged the SNP to back a ban on fracking at the launch of a consultation on proposed legislation to block the controversial practice.

Environment and climate change spokeswoman Claudia Beamish appealed to nationalist MSPs and those of other parties as she unveiled proposals for a member’s Bill on the issue at Holyrood.

A public consultation on the Bill will seek views on issues including the safety and environmental risks of fracking, investment in renewables and Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

In June, the Scottish Parliament voted to support an outright ban on fracking after Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens united to back it and SNP MSPs abstained.

Launching her proposals on the day the global Paris Climate Change Agreement took effect, Ms Beamish said Scotland had an opportunity to “send a message to the world” .

She said: “The science is clear, we don’t need another fossil fuel and we need to transition to clean energy.

“SNP MSPs face a choice: they can work with Labour and ban fracking or they can work with the Tories to allow drilling under family homes in central Scotland.”