Fracking can go ahead in England, the government said on Thursday, lifting a ban on the controversial process. A moratorium was put in place in 2019 following concerns over earth tremors.
But with the energy crisis worsening globally and world leaders scrambling to secure energy supplies, the question has been reopened.
The decision comes alongside the publication of a new scientific review into the practice by the British Geological Survey (BGS).
The BGS has concluded there is still a limited understanding of the impacts of such drilling - a way of mining gas and oil from shale rock.
"In light of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of energy, strengthening our energy security is an absolute priority", Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said in a statement announcing the end of the ban.
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Economic asphyxiation would never be allowed in Britain;
the birthplace of World Industrialisation.
