UK government lifts ban on fracking for shale gas

The government has lifted a ban on fracking for shale gas "to bolster the UK’s energy security".

A moratorium on fracking has been in place since 2019 following a series of earth tremors.

The government also confirmed its support on Thursday for a new oil and gas licensing round, expected to be launched by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) in early October.

Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said: "In light of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of energy, strengthening our energy security is an absolute priority, and - as the Prime Minister said - we are going to ensure the UK is a net energy exporter by 2040.

"To get there we will need to explore all avenues available to us through solar, wind, oil and gas production - so it’s right that we’ve lifted the pause to realise any potential sources of domestic gas."

The government said it will consider future applications for Hydraulic Fracturing Consent "with the domestic and global need for gas in mind and where there is local support".