Majority of UK supports fracking

A survey conducted by the research group Populus for industry body UK Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG) has found that 57% of Britons are in favour of hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

Of the 4,000 people surveyed, only 16% were found to be opposed to fracking, while 27% were undecided.

However, the survey also found “overwhelming support” (67%) for reducing Britain’s reliance on foreign gas imports.

“This survey shows that most people across the country think that shale gas should be developed

UKOOG chief exec Ken Cronin

Meanwhile, almost 60% of those surveyed were in favour of shale gas development, as long as it forms part of a wider energy mix that includes the use of renewables.

UKOOG chief executive Ken Cronin said: “This survey shows that most people across the country think that shale gas should be developed.

“Whilst these results are positive, our industry needs to continue to do all it can to listen to and engage with the views of the local communities.”

Some groups, however, are sceptical, and suggest the results are not representative of true UK opinion.

In response to the survey’s figures, the Residents Action on Flyde Fracking (RAFF) said: “With more than 270 opposition groups in the UK representing in excess of the number of people interviewed here, we are very confident that if we carried out a survey we too could make a convincing news item.

“This industry is throwing huge amounts of money into the public relations, lobbying and marketing of fracking and this is just another stunt designed to sell it to us.”