Backbench BusinessThursday, 18 June 2026

Potential merits of a full ban on fracking

Debate chosen by backbench MPs

A backbench debate on whether the UK should implement a full ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for oil and gas extraction. Claire Young MP will lead discussion on the potential benefits of such a ban, likely covering environmental, health, and climate impacts. This is an exploratory debate rather than a government proposal, allowing MPs to air arguments for a comprehensive fracking prohibition.

Fracking policy sits at the intersection of energy security, climate commitments, and local community opposition. A full ban would affect the UK's energy strategy and ability to extract domestic fossil fuels, with implications for net-zero targets and energy independence. The debate tests backbench appetite for more ambitious environmental regulation ahead of any potential government policy shift.

Energy & Net Zero Environment

MPs most likely to speak

Emma HardyLabour Party

Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

Parliamentary Under-Secretary — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on energy, environment (90 times, 40pts); Known positions: environment: supportive, environment: neutral, energy: supportive (30pts)Voting record

Michael ShanksLabour Party

Rutherglen

Minister of State — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on energy, environment (197 times, 40pts); Known positions: energy: supportive, energy: neutral, energy: opposed (30pts)Voting record

Andrew BowieConservative and Unionist Party

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Shadow Energy Security and Net Zero — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on energy, environment (132 times, 40pts); Known positions: energy: opposed, energy: supportive, energy: neutral (30pts)Voting record

Robbie MooreConservative and Unionist Party

Keighley and Ilkley

Shadow Environment — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on energy, environment (75 times, 40pts); Known positions: environment: opposed, environment: supportive, energy: opposed (30pts)Voting record

Mr Toby PerkinsLabour Party

Chesterfield

Spoken on energy, environment (52 times, 40pts); Known positions: environment: supportive, energy: supportive, environment: neutral (30pts); Committee: environmental audit committee (Chair) (25pts)Voting record

Potential merits of a full ban on fracking

MPs most likely to speak

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