14/12/2012
The government gives the go-ahead to fracking for shale gas exploration. Sean Curran covers reaction at Westminster from MPs in the Commons.
Is it a 'gas bonanza' for Britain?, as the Government gives the go-ahead for the controversial fracking process to be resumed -- to extract shale-gas out of the ground. Fracking tests in the North West of England were stopped last year when they led to two mini-earthquakes in the Lancashire. Sean Curran has the reaction of MPs in the Commons.
Also, the Chancellor George Osborne defends his squeeze on benefits and continued 'austerity' measures, when he faces the questions of MPs on the Commons Treasury committee.
* More twists and turns north of the border, as the SNP-controlled Scottish Government responds to the letter of the European Commission President insisting an independent Scotland would have to re-apply for membership of the EU.
* Back at Westminster, ministerial re-shuffles come under the focus of a Commons committee.