Glad to see that my idea of a fracking political map showing shale gas and MPs worked so well, and that it has generated stories in the Mail, FT and Standard.
Originally appeared on Greenpeace News Desk – 6TH Aug 2013
Just under half the Cabinet may face drilling for shale gas or oil within their constituencies – according to an analysis of oil and gas drilling licenses issued by the Department of Energy and Climate change.
The analysis suggests that up to 13 members of the cabinet – including Energy Secretary Ed Davey, Chancellor George Osborne and Foreign Secretary William Hague – could see exploratory drilling in their seats over the coming years.
The analysis comes after Mr Osborne indicated he would lobby fellow Conservative MPs to support shale gas – even in their own constituencies. Earlier his father-in-law Lord Howell had suggested that drilling should avoid the South focusing instead on the ‘desolate’ North East.
Liberal Democrat Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, also said he ‘loves’ fracking a position which was then criticised by his party President (and Northern MP) Tim Farron.