THE decision by Lancashire County Council to reject two applications for fracking in the county has been welcomed up and down the country.

The local councillors have performed a service for all of us concerned about protecting our environment.

This is a fantastic victory for the people of Lancashire, and the campaigners who have fought so hard to increase awareness of the dangers of fracking.

People up and down the country are waking up to the risks posed by fracking – both to our local communities and to the chances of the UK meeting its climate change targets.

This week’s decision proves that, in spite of all the Government’s efforts to force through fracking, local communities can prevent it from going ahead.

Here in Sussex I have no doubt that the residents of the Weald, who continue to face the threat of fracking, will take heart from what’s happened in Lancashire.

County councillors in Lancashire have this week set a strong example of how democracy should work – with elected politicians listening to the concerns of the people they represent.

I hope the refusal of this application will open the Government’s eyes to the huge opposition to fracking in this country, and help to persuade them that the time has come to expand investment in renewables and energy conservation.

This win will inspire people across the UK to stand up to fracking and fight for investment in renewables and super energy efficiency which would enable us to meet our climate change goals, cut bills and create thousands of decent jobs.

  • Caroline Lucas is the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion