​UK government allows controversial energy extraction technique to go ahead – with no consent needed

Key environmental powers must be devolved to Scotland to stop fracking in its tracks.

That's the view of environmental campaigners and the Scottish Government, who roundly condemned a Westminster decision to allow controversial shale gas extraction techniques to take place under people’s homes – without permission.

The move comes despite 99% of respondents to a consultation objecting to the plans.

Companies will now be allowed to drill below people’s land without first negotiating a right of access.

Scotland’s energy minister Fergus Ewing officially objected to the proposals and has condemned the decision. Ewing has called for the key powers relating to this issue to be devolved to Scotland as part of the current devolution process.

Cameron and Osborne's blinkered dash for gas risks putting the UK on course for climate catastrophe and endangers the health and wellbeing of communities

He said this would allow unconventional oil and gas exploration in Scotland to be considered in a cautious, considered and evidence-based way, as opposed to the “gung-ho” approach of the UK Government.

Mr Ewing said: “That the UK Government failure to listen to our concerns is of great worry. That they have also failed to listen to 99% of respondents to their own consultation just emphasises their gung-ho approach to the whole issue of fracking. We strongly believe that decisions on oil and gas drilling should be made by the people who live in Scotland, through the parliament and government they elected.

“UK Government proposals to remove the right of Scottish householders to object to drilling under their homes, without so much as debate in the Scottish Parliament, flies in the face of Scotland’s cautious, considered and evidence based approach on this issue. It is also fundamentally an issue affecting land ownership rights.

“Whatever your view on the issue of unconventional oil and gas – and it is clear that there are both opportunities and concerns – there is only one way that the people of Scotland can determine the approach in Scotland – including beneath their homes and land. That is with the devolution of the necessary powers to Scotland and the current devolution process for the “extensive new powers” promised in the vow should include these powers.

“Unconventional oil and gas developments should only ever happen under a robust regulatory regime, and the Scottish Government takes this issue particularly seriously.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Mary Church said: "It is absolutely outrageous that the UK Government has ignored over 99% of responses to this consultation, and the stated objection of the Scottish Government, that the removal of people's rights to object to fracking underneath their homes is simply unacceptable. This is literally legislating for the 1%.

"Cameron and Osborne's blinkered dash for gas risks putting the UK on course for climate catastrophe and endangers the health and wellbeing of communities across central and southern Scotland.

"We urge the Scottish Government and Parliament to use existing powers to ensure this legislation cannot take effect in Scotland."