Local MP Rebecca Pow said:

“I am delighted that during his first PMQs the Prime Minister made it crystal clear that the fracking moratorium would be maintained as referenced in our 2019 manifesto. I’ve made the case for continuing the ban verbally and in writing and I’m delighted he has listened. I am pleased that he also stressed that we would continue to prioritise wider environmental protections too and gave a firm commitment to deliver on all the ambitions passed through the Environment Act 2021 (which I was honoured to bring through Parliament) as well as what we signed up to at COP in Glasgow last year.”

My statement on Labour's motion (19 October)

To be clear, yesterday’s vote in Parliament was not about fracking, although it may have seemed like it to those not entirely familiar with parliamentary procedure. What it was actually about was the opposition taking control of the order paper.

It was a political stunt by the Labour Party to claim that any Tory MP who voted against the motion somehow backed fracking.

This is simply not the case. I have always stressed that fracking should never be allowed unless there is unequivocal scientific evidence to prove it is safe seismically but also in terms of any effects on our water system. 

In fact, I did make this point in the chamber yesterday. I’ve also written widely on my views on this.

I had also signed a letter to the Secretary of State for BEIS (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) to this effect which included the view that if all of the hurdles have been crossed regarding safety issues it would still require local people to agree they wanted fracking before going ahead. I attended a recent meeting with the Secretary of State to make this point.

This being said, yesterday’s vote was only procedural which is why I voted against it.

I’ve always endeavoured to conduct myself with honour and integrity in my role as MP for Taunton Deane – a role I have been proud to undertake.

Since being elected in 2015, I’ve delivered much for my constituency and I will continue to do all I can to give my constituents sustainability and certainty at a time when I know so many of them are facing many challenges.