THE North West Green Party has criticised the Liberal Democrats in Cumbria for 'confusion' over its support for the controversial technology of fracking for shale gas.

Westmorland MP Tim Farron recently spoke out against fracking - putting him at odds with Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies, who has spoken in support, said the Greens.

Peter Cranie, European election candidate for the North West Green Party said: “Chris Davies’ support for fracking shows that the Lib Dems’ environmental credentials have really been shot to pieces.

"For Tim Farron to say that he is ‘vehemently opposed’ to fracking is a little strange when the party’s environment spokesperson in the European Parliament is saying he supports it.

"It seems they’re happy to support fracking in principle but the reality of drilling in Cumbria is something they’re not so keen on.”

He continued: “All the main political parties and UKIP now support a ‘dash for gas’ leaving the Green Party as the only one standing up for those people who oppose fracking for shale gas.

" In the European Parliament, in the face of support for fracking from Lib Dem MEPs, the Greens have been pushing for greater regulation for the shale gas industry. This includes environmental impact assessments, compliance with EU rules on water and proper regulation of the chemicals used in fracking.”