UNITED KINGDOM
and geothermal energy are exciting new energy resources for the UK, with the potential to provide greater energy security, growth and jobs, while also playing an important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.” She argued that the proposals in the Bill would ‘unlock’ the potential of these forms of energy. She noted that the Government had made a number of concessions to critics of the provision – bringing forward an amendment to require the Government to seek advice from the Committee on Climate Change on the impact of petroleum extraction on climate change targets. She also indicated that the Government would accept a New Clause tabled by the Opposition Spokesperson, Tom Greatrex MP (Lab), introducing 13 conditions that would need to be met before fracking could take place. However, she indicated that the government would seek to amend one aspect of the clause, replacing the 300m limit with a 1,000m one, in the House of Lords to introduce a review process. She was not prepare to accept there should be a moratorium, arguing that “It is far more sensible to explore the potential of shale and assess the impacts along the way, while ensuring that development is regulated and risks managed.” Speaking for the Opposition, Tom Greatrex MP, said that the Government’s position was “a shambles”. On New Clause 19 he said the Minister “seemed to suggest that she would accept that amendment but that she still disagreed with parts of it. I am afraid that is not good enough because the entirety of that amendment needs to
be agreed this afternoon, as it makes it absolutely clear that there will be no shale gas exploration or extraction until those conditions are in place. It is not a pick list from which she can decide which ones she likes and which she does not.” He criticised a lack of time to consider the Bill at Report Stage and said there was a lack of clarity over what the government’s position was. He said “Such issues demand a responsible approach on the part of government and regulators, not only for the sake of regulatory coherence, but to meet the higher public acceptability test and the legitimate environmental concerns that many people feel.” Tim Yeo MP (Con), was concerned that the Government was going too slowly on fracking. He argued against the “rather curious” idea that fracking would increase carbon dioxide emissions – observing it was primarily replacing an imported source of energy with a domestically produced one. He conclude by saying “I urge the government to ignore today the siren voices calling for delay; to look objectively at the facts, which have been analysed by many learned institutions as well as by my Committee and other bodies; and to recognise the huge potential benefits of fracking, without exaggerating their impact, as I am afraid some of our less well informed supporters have done.” On the other side of the
argument, Caroline Lucas MP, argued that providing for more extraction of fossil fuels undermined the Government’s commitment to its climate change objectives. She opposed the right of use in its entirety, saying “Some
360,000 people signed a petition opposing that change and 99% of those who responded to the Government consultation opposed it as well. To see the Government just flinging that back in people’s faces, simply not listening to the consultation, raises big questions about what the consultation is for and undermines the credibility of the process”. The supporters of a moratorium were defeated by 308 votes to 52, but the Opposition’s New Clause 19 was passed unopposed. The Commons’ amendments to the Bill will now return to the House of Lords.
New Bills
Alongside the Bills already underway, a number of new, smaller government Bills have been introduced late in the Session. The Lords Spiritual (Women) Bill results from the recent change to Church of England law allowing women to become Bishops. Under the existing rules 26 places in the House of Lords are reserved for Bishops. Five of those are reserved for the holders of the most senior Archbishoprics and Bishoprics. The remainder are allocated to bishops in order of length of service. The Bill would give priority for the next ten years to female bishops when filling these other roles. The Bill was passed with all-party support. Moving the Bill’s second reading, the Minister of State for Constitutional Reform, Sam Gyimah MP (Con) said: “This is a modest but
important Bill, and it has one simple aim: to bring female bishops among the Lords Spiritual sooner rather than later. Given how long women have waited to become bishops, that is right. The
Caroline Lucas MP
House of Lords should not have to wait for an unknowable period before its Lords Spiritual Benches reflect the new make- up of the episcopate.” Another Bill looking to gain Royal Assent before the election is the Counter- Terrorism and Security Bill, a relatively short piece of legislation introducing a number of measures including restrictions on travel for individuals suspected of having travelled overseas to support terrorist organisation, new powers in relation to data retention and measures to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. This Bill passed the Commons with all-party support over the Christmas period. The Corporation Tax (Northern Ireland) Bill was another late starter, granting the Northern Ireland Assembly powers to vary certain rates of corporation tax. Finally, the Government will bring forward a short Bill to reform the role of the Clerk of the House of Commons before the end of the Parliament. This proposal arises out of the recommendations of the Committee on House of Commons Governance, set up following controversy over the appointment process for a new Clerk of the House to replace the retiring Sir Robert Rogers (now Baron Lisvane).
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