Fracking ban reinstated - as Midsomer Norton MP Jacob Rees Mogg leaves cabinet

The ban on fracking, which was a commitment in the Tory manifesto has been reintroduced by the new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The possible introduction of fracking was championed by the Midsomer MP Jacob Rees Mogg, when he was in post in the cabinet as Business and Energy Secretary under Liz Truss.

Mr Mogg resigned in a handwritten letter saying: "As you will rightly want your own team, I would be grateful if you would convey my resignation as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to the King." His place has been taken by Grant Shapps.

Today (October 26) the new Prime Minister told parliament the proposed lifting of the ban on fracking and the award of new drilling licences, would not be overturned. There had been demonstrations close to Jacob Rees Mogg's home to protest against the controversial process, extracting gas and oil from shale rocks.

Jacob Rees Mogg had said he would be delighted to have fracking in his garden.

Environmental groups, local councils in Somerset and the opposition parties have made commitments NOT to allow fracking over worries about earth tremors. One licence which may have been activated for fracking was close to the Hinkley Point nuclear power plants.

Fracking had been halted earlier that year, after scientists said they weren't sure about the size of tremors the practice could cause.

Liz Truss lifted the ban during her very short time at Number 10, saying she was in favour of fracking in places where there was local support.