New fracking rules, issued by the UK Government, will not affect Scotland, it has been claimed.

The Infrastructure Bill is currently making its way through Westminster and if approved, would provide fracking firms easier access to drill for shale gas underground. It controversial law would apply to residential areas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but would not apply in Scotland.

According to reports, Labour MP Tom Greatrex submitted amendments to the bill to request the Scottish Parliament be given full powers over shale gas exploration. The government did not support the amendments, but said it would exclude Scotland from the forthcoming legislation.

Commenting on the decision, Scotland officials are quoted as saying the opposition was "content to withdraw its amendments".

-- Advertisement --

However, it added: "That is not the same as devolving the power to the Scottish Parliament. Its effect is to leave the current arrangement in Scotland as it stands at present, so the new system for underground access will not apply."

Welcoming the UK Government's acceptance in principle, to devolve fracking powers early, Scotland's Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "This decision is a victory for common sense and shows how devolution of energy policy leads to different policy outcomes in Scotland.

"It is a vindication of the Scottish Government's continued objections to UK Government plans to remove the right of Scottish householders to object to unconventional oil and gas drilling under their home.

"We're glad the UK Government has finally taken this on board – especially as 99% of respondents to their own consultation also opposed the move."

A controversial issue, hydraulic fracturing, or fracking as it is commonly known, is a technique designed to recover gas and oil from shale rock. The process involves drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas or oil located inside. Those who oppose the method of extraction claim it is not safe, and can cause environmental damage and tremors.

(JP/IT)