Warrington Labour and Tories row over fracking vote

The Government made the vote a 'three line whipped' vote - this means that any MPs in the ruling party (the Conservatives) were heavily encouraged to vote in line with the Government, or they would face consequences.

This vote was also intended by Prime Minister Liz Truss to be a show of confidence in her government.

As the former Energy Minister who signed Net Zero into law, for the sake of our environment and climate, I cannot personally vote tonight to support fracking and undermine the pledges I made at the 2019 General Election.

I am prepared to face the consequences of my decision.

— Chris Skidmore (@CSkidmoreUK) October 19, 2022

In the end, the Government defeated Labour's bill, but 40 Conservative MPs decided not to vote - including big names like former PM Theresa May.

Warrington's two MPs took opposing sides on the motion.

Andy Carter, Conservative MP for Warrington South, sided with the Government and voted against the bill, whereas Warrington North's Labour MP, Charlotte Nichols, supported the ban.

Now, Warrington South's Labour candidate for the next general election, Cllr Sarah Hall, has condemned the Government, and Mr Carter, as she says he has lost his credibility.

However, Mr Carter has hit back, saying that the vote last night was Labour's attempt to gain control of business in Parliament.

Mr Carter has hit out at Labour, saying he voted against the blanket ban in order to give local residents the chance to have their say on fracking (Image: Parliament UK)

Mr Carter said: "I’ve read conflicting detailed reports on fracking, I know it provides a reliable supply for countries like the US, but I’m mindful their geography is different. 

"If we are to proceed in this country then extracting shale gas should only go ahead where there is local support, obtained through a local referendum that can be independently verified. 

"If areas potentially impacted by drilling don’t want to proceed, then I will support that decision."

The Warrington South MP added: "Last night the Government agreed to consult on how best to understand the views of local communities and those most directly affected, including local councils and parishes.  

"Once we have a scheme for gauging local consent Parliament will vote on it."

In 2019, Mr Carter voiced support for the ending of fracking in England when the then-secretary of state, Andrea Leadsom, stopped the practice.

Cllr Sarah Hall claimed that any fracking in Warrington could endanger areas such as Woolston, Rixton, and Penketh.

Cllr Hall said: "Fracking won’t solve the energy security or price crisis.

“The shale gas extracted by fracking would make no difference to gas prices, not to mention it’s a more expensive alternative to renewables."

I’m pleased that Labour has committed to banning fracking for good.

Places like Warrington South risk earthquakes under current Tory plans.

More fossil fuels are not the answer. Labour has a plan to make the UK a clean energy superpower by 2030. https://t.co/OKGAhqcCIb

— Cllr Sarah Hall (@Sarah_Hall81) October 19, 2022

Cllr Hall continued: “It’s deeply worrying that Andy Carter has not listened to his constituents’ concerns, putting party politics above local working people. Just another broken Tory promise.

“The Conservatives’ credibility has gone, Liz Truss’ credibility has gone, and Andy Carter's credibility has gone.

"It’s time for a general election."

More information on the vote last night can be found on Parliament UK's website, which can be accessed here.