Energy Minister calls for halt on new fracking licences in Scotland

Commenting on Fergus Ewing’s statement this evening calling for the UK Government not to issue any more onshore oil and gas licenses in Scotland until full powers in this area are devolved to Holyrood, Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said:

“It is very welcome that Energy Minister Fergus Ewing is calling on the UK Government not to issue any more licences for unconventional gas exploration in Scotland ahead of the transfer of full powers to Holyrood.

“This would clearly put a major spoke in the wheels of any company looking for a licence in Scotland in the current licensing round. This move does nothing to stop INEOS, IGas and Reach from applying to frack under their existing licences. Communities living in these areas remain under threat from this risky industry.

“The Scottish Government should use the powers it already has to stop this unnecessary and unwelcome industry gaining a foothold in Scotland.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. Friends of the Earth Scotland is:
* Scotland's leading environmental campaigning organisation
* An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland
* Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 74 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups.
www.foe-scotland.org.uk