AN INFLUENTIAL group of MPs has called for a temporary ban on fracking – because it says it is incompatible 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 Government’s 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 overreliant on fossil fuels.

Committee chair, MPJoan Walley, said in a report: “Ultimately fracking cannot be compatible with our longterm 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.”

Tessa Munt MP for Wells resigned from her post earlier this week as parliamentary aid to Business Secretary Vince Cable due to her support of the moratorium.