AN influential group of MPs has called for a temporary ban on fracking – arguing it is "not compatible” with the UK’s climate change commitments.

Fracking involves drilling into rock and pumping in a mix of water and chemicals to release trapped shale gas.

The practice is highly controversial, largely because of concerns over noise and pollution, and recent test drilling in Sussex resulted in protests and demonstrations.

Now, the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee has called for a moratorium on fracking, because it says the Government’s drive for shale gas would make Britain over-reliant on fossil fuels.

Committee chair, MP Joan Walley, said in her report: "Ultimately fracking cannot be compatible with our long-term commitments to cut climate-changing emissions unless full-scale carbon capture and storage technology is rolled out rapidly, which currently looks unlikely.

"There are also huge uncertainties around the impact that fracking could have on water supplies, air quality and public health."

Taunton Deane MP, Jeremy Browne, supports fracking.

He tweeted last night: “I'm in favour of allowing fracking (subject to safeguards which address reasonable concerns (but don't make it a practical impossibility).”

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