MSPs have backed a total ban on fracking in Scotland after the SNP abstained from a landmark Holyrood vote.
The result puts the Scottish Parliament on record as opposed to the controversial energy extraction technique, although a final decision on a permanent ban lies with the Government.
Holyrood’s position is now at odds with that of the SNP Government’s, which has stopped short of imposing a full ban in favour of a moratorium.
Opposition MSPs have hailed it as an embarrassing defeat for the SNP’s minority government, but ministers say they are taking a cautious and evidence-based approach.
The Scottish Labour amendment, which was made during an environment debate and called for fracking to be outlawed, was passed by 32 votes to 30 after SNP MSPs abstained.
Claudia Beamish, Labour’s energy spokesman, said: “Today the will of the Scottish Parliament has been made clear – there should be an outright ban on fracking.
“The SNP may have abstained on the vote, but they cannot ignore the clear position of Scotland’s Parliament.”
Fife is among the areas considered ripe for fracking, which involves shooting a water, sand and chemical mixture into rocks beneath the ground to release shale oil and gas.
Mark Ruskell, energy spokesman for the Scottish Greens, whose amendment opposing fracking was also carried, described the vote as a “great result for communities across Scotland who remain at risk of fracking”.
“The SNP’s decision to abstain is a cause of regret and I hope they reflect on the result,” he said.
Paul Wheelhouse, the energy minister, said they are “deeply sceptical” about fracking and the moratorium ensures that it cannot take place.
He added: “Our abstention in this parliamentary vote respects that and is in line with that moratorium.
“In stark contrast to the gung-ho approach of the Tories, we are being rightly cautious.
“We have set out a full research programme to be followed by a full consultation of people in Scotland, so that future decisions on fracking are informed by scientific evidence and the views of the people who live and work here.
“We recognise the views expressed in Parliament today and we have committed to ensuring that Parliament has the opportunity to fully consider the expert evidence once it is all available.”
The Scottish Conservatives, who called on ministers to ignore the “left wing cabal” against an industry worth £33 billion, voted against the amendments.