The Labour Party has today put forward a proposed amendment to the Infrastructure Bill which if implemented would see fracking banned in groundwater source protection zones.

Labour MP Tom Greatrex has tabled an amendment to insert the following clause in the Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament:

“The carrying out of hydraulic fracturing in connection with the exploitation of unconventional petroleum in relevant land shall be prohibited.

In subsection (5A)— “relevant land” means land which is located within the boundary of a groundwater source protection zone as specified by the Environment Agency from time to time;”

Commenting on the proposed amendment to the Infrastructure Bill, Friends of the Earth climate and energy campaigner Donna Hume said:

“Labour’s call for a ban on fracking near aquifers and for other safeguards is the right one – it is basic common sense to not risk Britain’s drinking water.”