Let me be unequivocally clear, I have always stated both in public and in personal correspondence to constituents that I believe fracking is a retrograde and environmentally-damaging practice that I oppose wholeheartedly. I do not think it is a practical solution to our energy security crisis brought forth by the war in Ukraine and I will continue to make representations to the Government to this effect.
That is why I was deeply disappointed to hear that the Prime Minister intended to treat the vote last night as a confidence motion in the Government. Put simply, to vote against the Government would have meant losing the Whip and being removed from the party I have spent the past 20 years striving so hard to champion.
By extension, it may put in jeopardy my place on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee that my parliamentary colleagues elected me onto. This is a role I take immense seriousness and pride in undertaking, and one which has significant importance in holding the Government to account and making sure national policy works for people on the ground, not least in our rural constituency here in Cumbria. Not maintaining my position on the Committee would jeopardise critical work I’ve been responsible for on vital issues such as the UK’s food security, farming, rural mental health and maintaining agricultural and animal welfare standards in new international trade deals.
It is important to point out that the motion was brought forward by the Opposition and included clauses that intended to derail the legislative agenda for political purposes. In passing the motion, legislators would have taken the virtually unprecedented decision to stop government business and put its long-term parliamentary plans at risk. This meant that the vote was not about fracking, but became one of confidence in the Government. I can be a much stronger advocate for my constituents as a Government MP, championing their causes, accessing ministers, influencing policy and securing change for our communities. Keeping the Conservative Whip gives me much more strength of voice than opposition politicians, who no doubt will attack me for yesterday. I came into politics to help people and I will continue to champion my constituents of Penrith and The Border, whom I am so humbled to serve.
As such, I humbly ask for your continued patience and understanding that I am doing everything within my means to try to make sure fracking does not start up again in the UK and I will continue to make this case to Government. Despite all the disappointing, chaotic and unedifying political events of yesterday, I will continue to support the Government with the 2019 manifesto on which we were elected.
