Fracking 

Fracking is a very sensitive issue locally, and one of the reasons I became so disappointed with our former MP Sir Kevin Barron. It was Sir Kevins apparent (historical) support for fracking that first made me aware of his lack of support for local issues - and motivated me to decide that if he was to stand again, I would oppose him.

Sir Kevins voting record on Fracking speaks for itself. It beggars belief that he could be absent or abstain on votes that will have such a great impact on his own constituency.

The case for Fracking tends to lean heavily on the experience of the US - where it has enjoyed huge success. It has reduced greenhouse gas emissions there while contributing to the success of their economy. Over 700,000 people are employed in the industry.

However the side effects of Fracking are felt far less in the US where the population density is just 95 people per square mile. Englands population density now sits at 1110 people per square mile - and that is forecast to be as high as 1340 people by 2050. Quite simply the risks of localised earthquakes and pollution to the water scale do not outweigh the benefits.

Pledge: Until such time as science provides a way to prevent such risks entirely I would not support fracking in England