The MP for Penrith and the Border has released a statement following last night’s highly controversial fracking vote in the House of Commons.

Labour tabled a motion on whether MPs should have a say on the government’s fracking plan which the government had initially said was a confidence vote before confusion reigned as minister appeared to suggest the vote was no longer a confidence vote at the despatch box.

Chaos then ruled as Conservative whips tried to force MPs to back the government in the voting lobbies.

“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” said Dr Neil Hudson in a personal statement.

“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.”

“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.”

 

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