Fracking sites were granted a stay of execution last night as ministers considered using them for further research rather than concrete them up forever. The Sun has the story.
Last night two sites in Lancashire were given extra time to close down after a backlash from MPs and campaigners amid soaring energy prices.
They were ordered to be concreted over within weeks, but now have until June to do so.
Insiders said the site could be used for further research on fracking rather than disappearing forever.
The Lancashire wells have not been used since 2019 after test drilling was suspended due to concerns about earthquakes.
But thanks to spiralling fuel costs forcing bills to soar and the West cutting off Russia’s supplies, the PM is under fresh pressure to look again at whether fracking could help drive up UK energy reserves.
However, at this point No. 10 is still insisting “our position on fracking hasn’t changed”.
Worth reading in full.
Stop Press: Ministers are “at war” over a reprieve for U.K. fracking sites, according to MailOnline. Meanwhile, ex-Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick has warned that the ban on Russian oil will mean £1,200 being added to the average household energy bill.
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