Scotland has moved one step closer to banning fracking, local MSP Jackie Baillie has said.

Scottish Labour has announced its intention to press ahead with a Member’s Bill to outlaw the controversial practice across the country.

A public consultation ahead of the bill found that 87 per cent of respondents were in favour of a ban, with more than 1,000 people responding to the consultation -; one of the highest response rates in Scottish Parliament history.

The SNP has failed to rule out introducing the controversial practice, despite the overwhelming public opposition and environmental dangers.

Both Scottish Liberal Democrat and Scottish Green Party MSPs have signed up to support Labour’s Bill, alongside Labour members, allowing the bill to proceed. 

Last year, the Scottish Parliament backed a Labour motion to ban fracking in Scotland.

Jackie said:

“The SNP has repeatedly failed to ban on-shore fracking in Scotland -; so Labour will seek to do it.

“The climate science is clear. Scotland does not need a new fossil fuel as we shift towards a low carbon economy.

“People across Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh are rightly concerned about the potential health implications of unconventional oil and gas extraction. 

“This is about Scotland’s future, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the condition we leave our planet in for our children and our grandchildren. 

“The Scottish Parliament has already voted to ban fracking in Scotland, but the SNP has kicked the decision into the long grass. This bill will ban fracking – the people of Scotland do not want it and our environment does not need it