The EU Commission has conducted a massive pan-European survey on attitudes towards shale gas and found that people in Lancashire are among the most pro-fracking in Europe. A finding that is completely at odds with a survey by Greenpeace that has been widely cited in the press.

More people in Lancashire – where the Labour council opposes fracking – agree that fracking will benefit the local economy than anywhere else in Europe. Most significantly, only 23% of Lancashire residents agree with the statement: “The EU should consider banning hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”)”. That makes Lancashire the joint third place in Europe where locals least likely want a ban on fracking. Meanwhile the appeals process against the bizarre decision by Lancashire County Council to refuse planning for a fracking site rumbles on…