A survey from the Department for Energy and Climate Change has shown that more UK residents are in favour of shale gas than against it.
The findings from the DECC public attitudes tracker, show that 27% of those interviewed were in favour of Shale Gas extraction, 21% opposed and 48% neither opposed nor supported it.
The survey also showed that public knowledge of shale gas has increased from 32% to 52% since July and that those with substantial knowledge of the fracking process were more likely to support it.
Scottish Conservative Energy Spokesperson Murdo Fraser has cited this evidence as further proof of the need for the Scottish Government to embrace fracking.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Shale gas has the potential to reduce fuel poverty and create thousands of well-paid jobs throughout Scotland including many within my own region of Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
“The minority who oppose fracking are often the most vocal but this survey shows that more UK residents are in favour of extracting shale gas than against it.
“Furthermore, this survey has shown that people who know a lot about shale gas are significantly more likely to support it.
“The Scottish Government must use this evidence as a green light to fully support fracking.”