Liz Truss backs fracking for Lincolnshire county

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has called for fracking to be introduced in Lincolnshire, claiming it would lower energy bills and benefit economic growth. Speaking at the Great Exhibition at the Lincolnshire Showground on Wednesday, 21 October, she said the county 'is one of the best places to exploit our energy reserves' and pointed to shale gas benefits in the United States, including cheaper manufacturing and economic growth.

Truss argued fracking would help farmers facing rising fertiliser costs and benefit the fishing and tourism industries. She also claimed that 'Britain will not be a leader in artificial intelligence' unless the country improves its supply of home-grown energy.

Fracking, which involves drilling into the earth and directing a high-pressure mixture of water, sand and chemicals at rock to release gas inside, is currently paused in the UK. The government is considering a permanent ban. Truss lifted the fracking ban in 2022 but faced opposition from backbench MPs before resigning after 44 days as prime minister. The ban was reintroduced by her successor Rishi Sunak. The process is controversial due to concerns it can lead to earthquakes and environmental damage.

How it is being reported

• Former PM Truss calls for fracking in LincolnshireLiz Truss speaks out in support of fracking, saying Lincolnshire "has a huge shale gas opportunity."BBC Lincolnshire · 23 Oct, 12:50
• Former Prime Minister Liz Truss says fracking should be introduced in Lincolnshire“It will offer huge benefits to farmers who are facing rising costs in areas like fertiliser"Lincolnshire Live · 23 Oct, 12:43

In this story: Liz Truss · Lincolnshire · United States · Dame Andrea Jenkyns · Rishi Sunak

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