Survey finds UK support for fracking

A new survey by Populus on behalf of the UK Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG) has revealed British support for shale gas development.

The survey of 4,000 adults found that 57% support production of natural gas from shale.

According to the survey, 16% of the people oppose natural gas production from shale and 27% are undecided.

The survey found that 67% want the UK to produce its own energy without relying on gas from other countries, compared with just 1% who disagree.

A total of 59% surveyed want the country to proceed with natural gas production from shale as long as it forms part of a mix that includes renewable energy sources, with only 12% opposition.

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

"More than four out of five of us heat our homes with gas, and Britain’s shale resource gives us the opportunity to become less dependent on foreign energy supplies, create tens of thousands of jobs and support our manufacturing industries.

UKOOG is the representative body for the UK onshore oil and gas industry including exploration, production and storage.