King's Speech: govt must ban all types of fracking

• A new Water Reform Bill was also announced as part of the King’s address to Parliament

Friends of the Earth has welcomed the inclusion of an Energy Independence Bill in today’s King’s Speech.

The environmental justice campaigners say the legislation should help wean the nation off its costly fossil fuel dependency, boost energy security and support a cleaner, more affordable future.

The bill is also expected to outline how the government will deliver on its pledge to ban fracking for good. Friends of the Earth says the ban must cover all types of fracking, including “proppant squeeze” - a low-volume fracking technique which fossil fuel companies are already seeking to develop at a number of locations in England.

Friends of the Earth’s head of campaigns, Rosie Downes, said:

“An Energy Independence Bill is urgently needed to unlock the UK’s vast homegrown renewable potential and deliver a step change in energy efficiency.

“Conflict in the Middle East has once again laid bare the dangers of our reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets. Investing in clean power from wind, waves and solar will strengthen our energy security and build a more stable, affordable future for households and businesses.

“This legislation must also shut the door on fracking once and for all. Labour has pledged a permanent ban - now it must deliver one that covers every form of fracking, including so-called “proppant squeeze”. A loophole in the current moratorium is already being exploited by fossil fuel companies, putting communities across England at risk.”

The monarch’s speech also reconfirmed the government’s plans to expand UK aviation. She added:

“Ploughing ahead with aviation expansion when it puts our climate goals at risk, and will contribute to worsening weather extremes that threaten communities and our economy, is beyond comprehension.”

Also included in the King’s Speech today was the announcement of a forthcoming Water Reform Bill. Friends of the Earth welcomes this vital legislation but warns that it must pay more than lip service to addressing the crisis blighting our rivers and seas through much tougher measures to curtail pollution.

Responding, Kierra Box, water campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:

“Legislation that finally puts people and nature above profits is well-overdue – let’s hope this Water Reform Bill goes much further than the last.

“It’s a national scandal that things have been allowed to get this bad, with our rivers and seas so filthy that people are risking their health to enjoy the country’s bathing waters, and our aquatic wildlife is fighting to survive.

“As well as targeting every kind of water pollution – not just sewage – it’s vital this bill completely overhauls our water system to put power back in the hands of communities and genuinely restores our rivers and seas to full health.

“A year ago, independent advisors outlined steps the government must take to revive our crumbling water system – it’s high time ministers got on with the job.”

Notes to editors:

1. For more information you can read Friends of the Earth's briefing on Fracking: the facts