FRACKING UNDER PEOPLE'S HOMES WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT

Early day motion 57, tabled 9 June 2014 by Roger Godsiff (Labour). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes with concern the Government's decision to open a consultation on regulatory changes that would make it possible for energy companies to drill for gas under people's homes without the occupier's consent; condemns this attempt to prioritise the interests of big business over the rights of ordinary citizens and protecting the environment; further notes that this consultation was opened on a day when Parliament and the UK media were occupied with the recent election results, and is concerned that this was an attempt to evade proper public scrutiny; further notes that public opposition to these plans is estimated at 74 per cent and therefore observes that the Government lacks a popular mandate to institute this change; further notes that the many problems of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) include climate change, water, soil and air contamination, loss of protected habitats, and lower house prices in areas where fracking takes place; calls on the Government not to allow fracking to take place anywhere in the UK, and particularly where local residents who would be affected by it are opposed to it; urges the Government to listen to the voices of the majority of UK citizens; and calls for investment in genuinely sustainable technologies such as wind, wave and solar power, rather than an attempt to extract yet more fossil fuels regardless of the environmental and social cost.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Scottish National Party 1.