EAST LOTHIAN GREENS QUESTION LABOUR MP'S STANCE ON FRACKING

Jason Rose, East Lothian Green candidate for Westminster, is questioning the stance taken by the county's MP on the risky gas drilling process known as fracking.

During last week's Commons debate on the UK Government's proposed Infrastructure Bill, which will enable drilling companies to run pipelines under property without permission, Labour MPs including East Lothian member Fiona O'Donnell abstained.

Labour's energy spokesman Tom Greatrex stated "shale gas may have a role to play". By contrast Green MP Caroline Lucas tabled an amendment pointing out that the Bill would be inconsistent with the urgent need to prioritise low carbon energy and would encourage oil and gas extraction when the UK should be reducing its fossil fuel dependence.

This came during a week when Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People stated that fracking threatens children's right to health, and as unions including the PCS and Unite restated their opposition to fracking.

Jason Rose, East Lothian Green candidate for Westminster, said:

"While Labour MPs like Fiona O'Donnell appear to think this is not an important enough issue to vote on, communities across East Lothian and the rest of the central belt are rightly alarmed at the prospect of fracking and other unconventional methods of gas extraction. In recent weeks I've been speaking to people throughout the county who support the Scottish Green campaign against fracking, and are appalled to learn of Labour's wishy-washy position on the issue.

"By contrast Green MP Caroline Lucas took a tough stance against the Bill, and it is that sort of constructive and principled approach I would take as MP for East Lothian. I believe we should prioritise clean technology and energy efficiency to give us long-term, high-quality jobs, a point strongly recognised by many trades unions."

Labour energy spokesman says "shale gas may have a role to play":
http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/blog/entry/no-fracking-without-scotlands-approval

TUC blog on shale, confirming "PCS, along with other UK unions such as Unite is opposed to fracking":
http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2014/12/uk-shale-gas-a-trade-union-view/

Commissioner for Children and Young People briefing on fracking:
http://www.sccyp.org.uk/ufiles/Fracking-briefing.pdf

Caroline Lucas on the Infrastructure Bill:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/caroline-lucas-infrastructure-bill-british-green-policies-15bn-roads-pollution

Scottish Green Party campaign to stop fracking in Scotland:
http://www.scottishgreens.org.uk/campaigns/fracking/