Bury North MP James Frith spoke in a debate in Parliament on fracking today, challenging the Minister to respect local democracy.

Bury Council voted in 2016 to ban fracking in the borough, yet proposals by the government will allow fracking companies to override local objections as part of the Tory government’s plan to expand shale gas exploration across the UK.

Speaking in the debate, James said:

“For me this strikes at the heart of a community’s ability to self-determine its future. Local democracy is undermined if Whitehall is seen to be undermining it, with a consultation that ignores, in the case of Bury, votes that have already taken place about whether or not we want fracking in our town. Will the minister take seriously the voice of the people on this issue?”

In her response, Energy Minister Claire Perry dismissed the views of local people as “too many people shouting nonsense” about fracking.

Bury Council is set to debate an emergency motion on fracking at a council meeting at the town hall at 7pm this evening. Residents are invited to attend.