ANTI-fracking campaigners have called on their MP to oppose legislation that would allow fracking in, around and under protected areas, ahead of a House of Commons debate.

Frack Free Ryedale has written to Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake asking him to speak at the Delegated Legislation Committee today (Tuesday, October 27) as it discusses measures to protect environmentally important areas.

MPs are set to vote later this week over the government’s plans to allow fracking in national parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Groundwater Protection Zones, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage sites, but there will be no debate in the House of Commons.

The regulations are coming before Parliament as a Statutory Instrument. According to the Hansard Society, just 16 Statutory Instruments out of more than 169,000 in nearly 65 years have been rejected.

Greenpeace has warned that the "arcane parliamentary process could see England’s most beautiful countryside fracked without anyone noticing".

About 300 square kilometres of the North York Moors could become open to fracking as proposed regulations state the controversial gas production method can take place in protected areas as long as it is at a depth 1,200 meters.

The campaign group said the regulations could lead to fracking well sites being set up around the edge of the national park.

A Frack Free Ryedale spokesman said: "It is time for Mr Hollinrake to show his constituents that he supports strong regulation by opposing this ill-conceived and dangerous legislation."

Conservative MP Mr Hollinrake, who has voiced his support for fracking, provided there are robust regulations in place, has previously stated he would oppose wells sited in the protected area.