Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith has been the UK Labour Party member of parliament for Lancaster and Fleetwood since May 2015.

In the 2015 general election Smith defeated the Conservative Party candidate Eric Ollerenshaw, who had held the seat since 2010 , with a majority of 1,265.

On fracking

This article is part of the Spinwatch Fracking Portal and project

Controversial fracking firm Cuadrilla Energy Resources has licences to test-drill for shale gas in Lancashire, at sites in Weeton (Preese Hall), Anna's Road also known as Westby, Grange Hill, Singleton and Banks, near Southport. The firm also owns sites in Wharles, Kirkham and Elswick, which was fracked by previous owners.

On 28 May 2015 Smith called for a debate on fracking in Lancashire,

Will the Leader of the House grant time for a debate on the issue of fracking in Lancashire, which is of great concern to many of my constituents?”

The leader of the House of Commons Chris Grayling replied:

“The issue has been widely debated in the House, and I know that it is of concern to the hon. Lady’s constituents. However, I also believe that it is important to ensure that we have proper, affordable supplies of energy for the future. We must deal with the issue carefully and sensitively. There will be plenty of opportunities for the hon. Lady to raise it during next week’s debate on the Queen’s Speech or by means of an Adjournment debate, and I know that she will be a champion of her constituents in this regard. I must say to her, however, that it is very important to, in particular, the pensioners in her constituency for us to ensure that there is affordable energy for all our futures.”