Victory for communities and the climate as government halts fracking

A moratorium on fracking in England, announced today by the government, has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.

Commenting on the decision, Friends of the Earth’s chief executive Craig Bennett said:

“The government is right to call a halt to this damaging and deeply unpopular industry. 

“This moratorium is a tremendous victory for communities and the climate. For nearly a decade local people across the country have fought a David and Goliath battle against this powerful industry. We are proud to have been part of that fight.

“We must now ensure that legislation is passed so that the ban is made permanent.

“But we can't stop with banning fracking here if we are going to avoid catastrophic climate change. Time is running out; the UK must stop funding fracking abroad and we must leave all fossil fuels in the ground.

“The next government must accelerate the transition to a zero carbon economy by ending all support for oil, gas and coal development at home and abroad, and throwing its full weight behind the development of the UK’s vast renewable energy potential.”