Coalition Euro MPs let down the region on fracking moratorium vote, says local MEP

Arlene McCarthy

Following a vote in the European Parliament this week Local Euro MP, Arlene McCarthy expressed her disappointment that North West Conservative, Liberal Democrat and UKIP Euro MPs did not vote to support a moratorium on shale gas development.

Arlene said: “It is important that we ensure there are robust rules to protect health and the environment before we start fracking. We have already seen it cause a minor earthquake in Lancashire in our region. That is why I voted in support of a moratorium.”

“Sadly my Conservative, Liberal Democrat and UKIP colleagues did not share this view or the view of many residents in Lancashire and voted against a moratorium.”

The two resolutions on Shale Gas which were voted on by the European Parliament on Wednesday said that developments in shale gas and oil exploration should be backed up with "robust regulatory regimes”. They also stated that Member states should also be "cautious" about permitting exploitation of unconventional fossil fuels pending further analysis of whether EU-level regulation is appropriate.

Arlene added: "Fracking must be banned in sensitive areas, and all fracking should be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment. This is the only way that we can guarantee proper public participation in planning decisions made by local authorities.

"Any shale gas company which is looking to operate in the EU needs to know that they will have to meet the highest environmental standards.