UK government axes plans for fracking in protected nature sites

Double U-turn as controversial technique for extracting shale gas will not be allowed in Sites of Special Scientific Interest after all

The government has backed down on its plan to allow fracking in some of England's most important nature sites.

The controversial technique for extracting shale gas will not be allowed in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) after all, ministers said on Wednesday, after previously opening the door to fracking in such sites in July.