David Frost, the UK’s chief Brexit negotiator, has joined Conservative MPs in urging the government to revive fracking in the country. Frost, who was appointed as the UK’s chief negotiator in 2019, has been a vocal supporter of fracking and has called for the government to lift the ban on the controversial drilling technique.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves drilling into the earth and injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure to release natural gas from shale rock formations. The technique has been controversial due to concerns about its impact on the environment, including the risk of water contamination and earthquakes.
The UK government imposed a moratorium on fracking in November 2019, following a series of earthquakes in Lancashire that were linked to fracking operations. The moratorium was later made permanent in February 2021, with the government citing the “unacceptable” risk of earthquakes.
However, Frost and other Conservative MPs argue that fracking could play a key role in the UK’s energy mix, helping to reduce the country’s reliance on imported gas and providing a source of low-carbon energy. They also point to the economic benefits of fracking, including job creation and increased tax revenues.
Critics of fracking, however, argue that the risks to the environment and public health outweigh any potential benefits. They also point to the falling cost of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which they say make fracking unnecessary.
The debate over fracking in the UK is likely to continue, with both sides presenting compelling arguments. However, it is clear that any decision to revive fracking will need to take into account the potential risks and benefits, as well as the views of local communities and environmental groups.
