Will the UK Ban Fracking?

In a major turnaround for the Conservatives, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed the government is placing a nationwide halt on hydraulic fracturing, referencing concerns over earth tremors, environmental dangers and taxpayer returns. The announcement is a major victory for environmental groups and comes in the wake of an incriminatory scientific study revealing the dangers of fracking, as well as public criticism from Whitehall's spending watchdog.

Government shuts down fossil fuel extraction projects

While the new legislations haven't banned fracking, the government has placed an embargo on activity and warned shale gas companies not to expect support on future extraction projects. The halt was spurred by a damning report released by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), which warned that it was impossible to exclude “unacceptable” risks to towns, villages and cities near fracking sites. The report also cited the risk of earthquakes and admitted it was not possible to predict the magnitude or aftermath of the tremors.

The government was also pressured by a second report issued by Whitehall's spending watchdog, which slammed the Conservatives for failing to successfully launch proposed fracking projects. As a result, taxpayers have been hit with £32 million in expenses with zero energy returns.

Conservatives call for "compelling new evidence" supporting fracking

After considering the reports, the government has confirmed it will not support any future projects "until compelling new evidence is provided" that endorses fracking as a safe and environmentally responsible activity.  

“After reviewing the OGA’s report into recent seismic activity at Preston New Road, it is clear that we cannot rule out future unacceptable impacts on the local community," said business and energy secretary Andrea Leadsom in a tweet. "For this reason, I have concluded that we should put a moratorium on fracking in England with immediate effect."

The freeze marks a significant attitude reversal for the Conservative government, whose leader Boris Johnson once praised fracking as “glorious news for humanity” and pledged that in the search for shale, the country should “leave no stone unturned, or unfracked”.

Standstill a “victory for common sense”

The move has been praised by environmental groups, with Rebecca Newsom, head of politics at Greenpeace UK, saying it's “been clear for some time that the government’s big bet on fracking is bust.” Newsom applauded the decision as a “victory for common sense” and sees it as a milestone for the decade long fight Greenpeace and other groups have waged against fracking.

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