Ministers at the Welsh Assembly, yesterday voted against shale gas extraction in Wales.

The Welsh Government confirmed it supports a Plaid Cymru motion for a moratorium during a debate in the Welsh Parliament.

The announcement follows the Scottish Government’s decision last week to block proposals until a full public inquiry into the health risks of fracking is carried out.

The Welsh Government said it would take all appropriate measures to block fracking until it is proven safe to do so.

Friends of the Earth, Campaigner Donna Hume, who is against shale gas extraction in the UK said: “The Westminster Government needs to catch up with Scotland, Wales and many other areas of the world and bring in a moratorium on controversial fracking.

“It’s time the Government stopped trying to get this damaging and unpopular industry off the ground and started prioritising energy efficiency and renewable energy.”