The Scottish Government’s policy on fracking is not changing despite the ban being lifted south of the border, a minister has said.
Scottish Energy Secretary Michael Matheson reiterated his Government’s opposition to new fracking licences.
It came after UK Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said the existing pause on fracking is being lifted in England to examine new potential sources of gas.
Liz Truss’s Government has vowed to explore all avenues to improve energy security in response to the war in Ukraine.
Mr Matheson tweeted shortly after the announcement on Thursday morning.
He said: “To be clear – this policy change does not apply in Scotland.
“Fracking can only happen here if licences are issued by the Scottish Government and we do not intend to issue any licences.”
A spokesman for the First Minister later said there is no review point for the Scottish Government’s position on fracking.
The granting of licences for fracking are a devolved matter, meaning the policy will not impact Scotland unless Scottish ministers agree to it.
The Scottish Government has repeatedly adopted a policy position of no support for fracking, following a moratorium on the issue.
Earlier in September, Nicola Sturgeon was asked to clarify her Government’s position on fracking during First Minister’s Questions.
She said: “This is a devolved matter and our position is unchanged.
“We do not intend to grant licences for fracking.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel