Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge MP Julian Huppert is continuing to oppose fracking, ahead of the debate and votes in Parliament on Monday.

He says the government should not allow fracking, used in the extraction of shale gas, because it will result in higher carbon emissions and environmental damage.

And his stand has won support from environmental campaign groups, Friends of the Earth and the RSPB.

Julian Huppert has tabled a series of amendments to the Infrastructure Bill before Parliament on Monday, January 26 opposing fracking and putting a number of safeguards into place if it is to happen.

He cites a paper published recently by the scientific journal Nature showed that a boom in shale gas extraction would likely squeeze out the development of the renewable energy section.

“I oppose fracking on climate change grounds,” he said. “Climate change is one of the most – if not the most – dangerous threat facing the world today, and there is very clear evidence that fracking would lead to a net increase, not a net reduction, in our carbon emissions.

“Lib Dems in Government have made very strong progress in moving our country towards a sustainable future. We have doubled the amount of electricity generated from offshore wind and created the Green Investment Bank. I want us to continue making progress in building a green future for us all.

“I don’t think we should frack at all, and I am co-sponsoring amendments to that effect. However, if Parliament decides to go ahead with fracking, we must limit the harm it will do. That is why I have also tabled amendments saying that the Government should not be allowed to permit fracking if the evidence shows it would compromise our carbon reduction goals.

“I’m pleased the Government has accepted part of this, and will now require the Committee on Climate Change to publish reports on the carbon emissions, but with no commitment to end fracking if it is increasing our emissions, it does not go far enough.

“I have also worked with RSPB and Friends of the Earth on amendments ensuring that fracking would not take place in sensitive areas, such as National Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and to call for a moratorium on fracking until there is more detailed assessment of its impacts. I have also supported removing a section from the Bill requiring the maximisation of petroleum extraction – we know we cannot burn all the fossil fuels we have left, so should not have a legal duty to do so.”

Friends of the Earth’s campaigner Oliver Hayes said: “Julian Huppert is right to oppose fracking and call for an immediate moratorium because of the impact it would have on climate change.

“I hope other Liberal Democrat MPs will follow Mr Huppert’s lead and vote against the Coalition Government’s plan to push through fracking in Parliament next Monday.”

Julian Huppert added: “Meeting our climate targets needs to be at the forefront of our energy policy – the lives of future generations depend on it. That is why I have pushed so many amendments, and I hope we can persuade MPs from across the House to back them as well.”