Calls For Fracking Vote

Scottish Green MSPs want the UK Government to suspend plans to award fracking licences drilling firms.

They're calling for a vote to be held at Holyrood, ahead of a statement from the Energy Minister in the House of Commons.

A petition has gathered 5, 7000 signatures.

A large area of Fife has already been identified by UK ministers for shale gas exploration.

Scottish Green MSP Alison Johnstone, who spoke at an anti-fracking rally at Grangemouth at the weekend, said:

"The huge public support we've had for our principled stance has clearly put pressure on the other parties. In recent days we've seen Labour attempt to change their position, and now the energy minister is expected to make the SNP's position clearer.

"The SNP and Labour voted against a ban during our debate last year but at least they appear to agree with us that Scotland should decide on licensing. If Holyrood were to vote on this, it would make the strongest case yet to the UK Government.

"The communities around the central belt I've been speaking to in recent months are rightly concerned about unconventional gas extraction. They can be assured of Green support every step of the way."