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Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse has confirmed the Scottish government will not support unconventional oil and gas in Scotland, otherwise known as fracking.

The government hopes to change the National Planning Framework (NPF) to include an effective ban on fracking.

It stops short of legislating for a legal ban, but any change to the NPF by any future government would require parliamentary backing.

The minister confirmed planning licences would not be granted to fracking firms.

Drilling companies suggest trillions of cubic feet of shale gas may be recoverable from underneath parts of the UK through a process known as "fracking".

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a technique designed to recover gas and oil from shale rock.

Energy firm Cuadrilla began fracking in the UK last year for the first time since the process was halted in 2011 over earth tremor fears.

But how does fracking work and why is it controversial?

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur also welcomes the announcement and asks what the trigger for bringing forward a bill will be.

Paul Wheelhouse says the government does not consider new legislation is necessary to control unconventional oil and gas.

But the option remains open if there is evidence that further action is required, he adds.

Green MSP Mark Ruskell welcomes the decision, highlighting uncertainty which has faced residents in Forth Valley in recent years.

He seeks assurance that Ineos’ application will be rejected.

The minister says he is unable to comment because it is a live matter for planning authorities, though he adds the new policy does replace the moratorium.

Labour MSP Claudia Beamish says fracking is a “toxic industry”.

She welcomes the policy position, but highlights it is not a legal ban as her own member’s bill would establish.

The Labour MSP seeks assurance that the national planning framework process will be completed within the parliamentary term.

The minister says the framework is expected to be completed in 2021, though he cannot guarantee it as it depends on it being given chamber time.

Once it has been approved, no government will be able to change it to support fracking without the backing of this parliament he reiterates.

Tory MSP Alexander Burnett says today’s statement is a “fudge”, falling short of a legal ban.

He says shale gas is being imported daily from the US, suggesting the SNP supports fracking when it does not cost them votes.

Mr Burnett asks if the evidence unequivocally demonstrates fracking cannot go ahead without mitigation.

Mr Wheelhouse says the Scottish government does not have powers over trade.

He says he is working with industry to decarbonise, though would encourage North Sea oil and gas to be used before imports.

The minister says the government's support for Scotland's industrial base is unwavering, despite the difference of opinion on unconventional oil and gas.

Mr Wheelhouse says fracking can only happen if a licence is issued and we do not intend to accept any licenses for fracking.

He has written to the chief planning officer to ensure this is the case.

The new national planning framework will set out an opposition to fracking, meaning no future government will be able to allow fracking without a vote for it by the parliament he explains.

The Scottish government does not support the development of unconventional oil and gas, he concludes.

Mr Wheelhouse says the final business and regulatory impact assessment will be published today.

The predominant view of respondents, who mostly lived in the central belt, did not support unconventional oil and gas he tells the chamber.

He says the Scottish government has been at the forefront of action on climate change, with Scotland to reach net zero by 2045.

We will work to ensure a "just transition" which harnesses Scotland's renewable capability, he adds.

Mr Wheelhouse begins the statement by highlighting some details were "briefly and inadvertently" published online yesterday, adding action will be taken to ensure such an issue will not happen again.

He confirms the final policy position on unconventional oil and gas is to "not support it".

The minister says there would not be a sufficient positive benefit to outweigh the negative impacts of fracking.

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Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse will begin a statement on the final policy on unconventional oil and gas shortly.

Information accidentally published yesterday suggests it will be an indefinite extension to the existing moratorium.

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The highlights in the chamber this afternoon will be the final debate on the ban on smacking bill and the potential ban on fracking statement.

At 2pm the Scottish government will confirm a policy of "no support" for fracking, according to information accidentally published online.

Then from 3.05pm MSPs will debate the smacking ban bill for the final time.

The Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill, external is expected to be passed at decision time, with only the Conservatives voting against.

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A map identifying litter hotspots along Scotland's coastline was launched last year.

Aerial photographs of plastics and rubbish washed up and blown up on to beaches were posted online, external.

The aim is to help organisations and volunteers involved in clean-up work better target their efforts - particularly in remote areas where litter often remains "hidden".

Those behind the project hope it will become an "invaluable tool" in the fight against marine litter.

Read more.

Image source, SWT

Tonnes of rubbish have been removed from the Summer Isles in the north west Highlands.

Ropes, nets, tyres, metal and plastic were gathered in a clean-up led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT).

A boat, formerly used as a ferry on a crossing of the Cromarty Firth, has been used to transport up to eight tonnes of waste to the mainland.

The Summer Isles are a group of small islands north west of Ullapool in Wester Ross.

Read more.

Image source, Marine Conservation Society

Tory MSP Maurice Corry highlights the Great British Beach Clean, which took place earlier this month.

The initiative is used to both clean up litter from the shore and also collect data on it.

Click here for Mr Corry's motion., external

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