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Business Update

27 October 2022

Proposing MP
Welwyn Hatfield
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the government's stance on shale gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing.

Action Requested

The government confirms it will maintain a presumption against issuing further hydraulic fracturing consents, effectively continuing the moratorium until compelling evidence is provided to address concerns about induced seismicity.

Key Facts

  • The Government supports the precautionary approach regarding shale gas exploration.
  • A moratorium on shale gas exploration in England was confirmed in the November 2019 manifesto.
  • Future applications for hydraulic fracturing consent will be considered on their own merits by the Secretary of State, but developers should consider the government's position.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy