MP Simon Fell 'firmly against' fracking despite pro-drilling vote

This comes as the Government defeated Labour’s bid to ban fracking amid farcical scenes in the House of Commons.

The Government made the vote a 'three line whipped' vote - this means that any MPs in the ruling party (the Conservatives) were heavily encouraged to vote in line with the Government, or they would face consequences.

This vote was also intended by Prime Minister Liz Truss to be a show of confidence in her government.

And this was Simon Fell's explanation for why he voted with the Government on Wednesday.

Speaking before the resignation of the Prime Minister Liz Truss, Mr Fell said: "Last night I voted against what was a confidence motion in the Government. I then voted successfully to amend the opposition motion to say that fracking should only take place when a community consents to it - something that Labour and the Lib Dem's didn't object to."

"I remain firmly against fracking and have been for some time. I do not believe the science has changed to demonstrate its safety. I do not believe that it is the answer to our short term energy needs. I do not believe local consent will ever be given. And I believe we would be better placed spending our time on growing renewable energy and preventing energy wastage.

"My opposition to fracking has not wavered. Indeed, last week I met the Business Secretary to share my concerns, and I will continue to share them within government. I do not believe that fracking will ever actually happen."

Tim Farron was the only Cumbrian MP to vote in favour of a ban on fracking.

Speaking during the debate in the House of Commons, Tim said: “What fracking will do is add another fossil fuel into the mix at a time when we should be keeping all fossil fuels in the ground.

“Of all the threats that we face as a country and a community, climate change is undoubtedly the greatest, and fossil fuels should be kept in the ground."