CAMPAIGNERS have called the decision by Rishi Sunak to restore fracking ban as a 'victory for common sense.'

The new PM reversed the 'green light' given to the controversial process by his predecessor, Liz Truss.

Ms Truss lifted the ban during her brief spell as PM arguing that it would help strengthen the country's energy supply.

But the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Mr Sunak was committed to the effective ban on fracking set out in the 2019 general election manifesto, after he was pressed on the issue at his first Prime Minister’s Questions.

The PM told the Commons during his first Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday (October 26) that he “stands by” the manifesto, which said the Conservative party would not support fracking unless the science shows categorically that it can be done safely.

Following the announcement, Friends of the Earth energy campaigner, Danny Gross said it was a 'fantastic victory' and called on the Government to come up with renewable energy solutions.

Border Counties Advertizer: File photo of the Cuadrilla hydraulic fracturing site at Preston New Road shale gas exploration site in Lancashire.

He said: "This is a fantastic victory for common sense, the environment and local communities across the country who have stood up to the threat of fracking.

"The Government must now focus on real solutions to the energy crisis including a street-by-street home insulation programme and developing the UK’s huge potential of onshore wind and solar energy production."

Many Tories welcomed Mr Sunak's decision due to the the policy being unpopular in their constituencies.

Sam Hall, director of the Conservative Environment Network said: "It is unpopular, and few communities would approve fracking projects locally, meaning little or no gas would be extracted, despite the high political cost.

"Instead, the government should focus on building more cheap and popular renewables, including onshore wind and solar where there is local support.

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"These technologies will bring down bills, improve energy sovereignty and reduce emissions."

But Mr Sunak has also been criticised by Labour's shadow climate and net-zero secretary Ed Miliband after he voted against a proposal by Labour to ban fracking.

Mr Miliband said: "Last week Rishi Sunak voted against Labour’s fracking ban, but this week his spokespeople tell us he is in favour of the temporary moratorium on fracking in the Conservative manifesto.

"Whatever their latest position, the truth is that the Tories have shown that they cannot be trusted on the issue of fracking.

"The only way to guarantee that fracking will be banned for good is to elect a Labour government."

Fracking has previously been proposed for land just outside Dudleston Heath in 2014 but with met with strong opposition.