Fracking under national parks approved by MPs amid acrimony

Labour and Lib Dem accuse government of sneaking plans through 'back door' after giving no time for Commons debate

MPs have voted to allow fracking under Britain's national parks, drawing accusations that the government has sneaked the measure through parliament without a proper debate.

Ministers used a statutory instrument - a form of secondary legislation - to push through the new rules, which means legislation can pass into law without a debate in the House of Commons. MPs voted in favour by 298 to 261.