A YouGov poll has revealed that only 33% of the 1,704 people surveyed would support shale gas exploration in their local area even if efforts were made to incentivise communities through payments. The Government’s recent plans to pay up to £10,000 for households affected by the practice has seemingly failed to capture the mood of the public, with today’s poll showing that 43% remain ‘strongly’ opposed to fracking. Commenting on the survey findings, Friends of the Earth senior political strategist Liz Hutchins said: “The Government are desperate to show support for shale gas exploration, and recent headlines that offered cash payments were meant to bolster, not diminish, support. Public backlash to the Government’s fracking proposals comes amid continued political and business opposition to another contentious energy project, the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant.
Edie 15th Aug 2016 read more »