The Alliance Party has voiced its support for a moratorium on fracking.

East Belfast MP, Naomi Long, said she made her decision due to the mixed evidence of the impact on the environment of the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

MPs in the House of Commons discussed the controversial issue on Monday as part of an amendment to the Infrastructure Bill; however, the amendment was defeated by the Government.

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She said: "There is evidence in some shale beds, the process impacted negatively on local aquifers and polluted water supply. The hydraulic pressure can also lead to land tremors during any extraction process.

"Whilst this may not have much of a significant impact away from major population centres, the Government is looking at licensing extraction under people's homes, which could affect buildings insurance and increase the risk of property damage."

(CD/JP)