In August, I was appalled to see the decision taken by the Planning Inspectorate to run roughshod over local democracy and approve fracking at Marsh Lane. We know that fracking is risky, destructive and unwanted in the community. Britain urgently needs to tackle the causes of climate change and invest in real renewable solutions to our energy supply, rather than simply finding more ways to extract dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. That’s why Labour has committed to end fracking nationwide, and invest properly in sustainable, long term sources of energy which will support vital jobs and apprenticeships.

This is a decision with serious consequences well outside the Marsh Lane site – in particular, I’m concerned about the impact on constituents I represent in Batemoor and Jordanthorpe, who now face the prospect of extra noise, traffic and pollution along Bochum Parkway and Dyche Lane from traffic servicing the site.

We’ve seen from the situation in Lancashire that the cost of policing for unpopular operations like this can be extremely high. In that case it was £7m at a time when the police are still being cut, of which only £2m has been refunded by the Government. With resources already stretched, and officer numbers at record lows, it’s the last thing Derbyshire Police and neighbouring forces need.