SCOTTISH environmental campaigners welcomed yesterday the Holyrood government’s opposition to Westminster plans to make fracking easier — and demanded a complete ban on gas drilling.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said he would object to proposals by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change that would remove the right of people to object to fracking companies drilling below their homes.

“The gung-ho approach of the UK government to the whole issue of unconventional oil and gas — often without any consultation with the Scottish government at all — contrasts with our approach,” said Mr Ewing.