The Guardian today reported that the Labour party strengthened its opposition to fracking, saying it would ban the controversial technique for extracting shale gas if it came to power.

Speaking at the Labour conference in Liverpool, shadow energy and climate secretary Barry Gardiner is to announce the party will be going further than its previous policy of a moratorium until environment conditions are met…

The Liberal Democrats welcomed Labour in joining them in supporting a ban on fracking. “I hope these are not just empty words and they will join Liberal Democrats in actively opposing the Tory plans to ruin our countryside,” said Lynne Featherstone, the party’s energy and climate spokesperson.