Tory MPs angrily challenge Rees-Mogg's fracking revival plan

Energy secretary considers bypassing local planning rules as backbenchers voice oppositionMinisters face a furious backlash from Conservative MPs after overturning a manifesto pledge to pause fracking until it is proved safe, and then indicating drilling could be imposed without local support.Outlining a return to shale gas extraction in England after three years, Jacob Rees-Mogg dismissed worries about earthquakes caused by the practice as "hysteria", claiming this was often down to a lack of scientific understanding. Continue reading...