Earthquake warning: Fracking suspended in Lancashire after biggest earthquake yet

Fracking involves pumping liquid at high pressure deep underground to fracture rock and release shale gas, remains controversial in the UK.

Backers, including the government, claim exploiting the fossil fuel could reduce reliance on fuel imports, help cut carbon emissions and create jobs.

However opponents claim fracking can create earthquakes and continues the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels instead of focusing on renewables to tackle man-made climate change.

A study earlier this month reported there may be a significantly less shale gas in the UK than anticipated, with fracking potentially capable of producing 10 years’ worth of the fuel.