12 August 2013, News Wires – UK Prime Minister David Cameron gave his unequivocal support for shale gas fracking in the country in a newspaper article Monday, amid an ongoing protest in the south of England where Cuadrilla Resources has begun exploration drilling in preparation for possible unconventional oil production.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph newspaper Cameron said that if the UK did not backing hydraulic fracturing of shale rocks to produce gas “we will miss a massive opportunity to help families with their bills and make our country more competitive. Without it, we could lose ground in the tough global race.”
Cameron’s intervention comes as a protest involving both local residents and professional anti-fracking demonstrators continues in Balcombe, West Sussex. There have been several dozen arrests of protestors since Cuadrilla Resources began preparations for exploration drilling at Balcombe a few weeks ago. Cuadrilla started drilling a 3,000-foot vertical well at the Balcombe site on August 2.
Cameron noted that “a lot of myths” have sprung up around fracking activities that he is seeking to dispel. Among these are that shale gas exploration will be confined to certain parts of Britain.
“This is wrong. I want all parts of our nation to share in the benefits,” he said.
Cameron also pointed out that there would be proper public consultation among local communities regarding fracking activities going on in their areas.
“Local people will not be cut out and ignored. We are issuing very firm guidance: firms looking to frack should make people aware of their plans well before they apply for a permit. Dialogue is important and if residents express specific concerns, then companies should take them on board,” Cameron added.
– Jon Mainwaring, Rigzone
