Cameron fracking backing against public opinion

Following weeks of protests outside a Cuadrilla site in West Sussex, Cameron wrote in The Daily Telegraph yesterday that he was “determined to win” the debate over whether hydraulic fracturing, commonly called fracking, should be allowed in England.

“International evidence shows there is no reason why the process should cause contamination of water supplies or other environmental damage, if properly regulated,” wrote Cameron.

“The huge benefits of shale gas [also] outweigh any very minor change to the landscape. So my message to the country is clear – we cannot afford to miss out on fracking.”

Our findings suggest that the fracking debate is not yet over

Dan Doherty, CadenceFisher industrial communications

However, a poll of public attitudes on fracking versus the other form of energy generation that often faces local opposition – wind turbines - has found Cameron is out of step with the opinion of most UK residents.

The Attitudes to UK Industry poll, published yesterday, questioned more than 2,000 adults and found 53% leaning in favour of wind farms despite the cosmetic effect on the landscape, while just 15% preferred fracking with the remainder undecided or without an opinion.

Young people aged 18-24 were most resolute in support of wind energy, with 60% stating that preference.

“Our findings suggest that the fracking debate is not yet over,” said Dan Doherty, of the report’s sponsors CadenceFisher industrial communications.

“In fact, it’s just beginning, and with potential fractures within the coalition Government on this divisive issue, Mr Cameron will have a lot of people to convince about the safety and economic value of fracking in the UK”.

The survey’s findings seemingly go against previous research by Nottingham University that public attitudes to shale are improving, with 55% of respondents to a survey agreeing that development should be allowed.