Reform UK's controversial energy policy could open up swathes of the British countryside to fracking operations, with new analysis revealing the staggering scale of their drilling ambitions.
The Fracking Map That's Raising Alarms
According to research conducted by Friends of the Earth, up to 140 parliamentary constituencies across England sit above potential shale gas reserves that could be targeted under Reform UK's radical energy proposals. The findings have sparked widespread concern among environmental groups and local communities.
What Reform UK's Policy Actually Promises
The party, led by Nigel Farage, has pledged to overturn the current fracking moratorium established by the Conservative government in 2019. Their manifesto commits to fast-tracking shale gas extraction as part of a broader energy strategy that prioritises domestic fossil fuel production.
The Geographical Spread of Potential Sites
The analysis identifies several key regions that would be most affected:
- Large sections of northern England, including Lancashire and Yorkshire
- Significant areas of the Midlands
- Parts of southern England, despite previous government assessments suggesting limited potential in these regions
Environmental Warnings and Public Opposition
Friends of the Earth has described the plans as "dangerous and deeply unpopular," pointing to previous widespread public opposition that ultimately led to the current ban. Campaigners warn that resurrecting fracking could:
- Threaten local water supplies
- Increase earthquake risks in susceptible areas
- Undermine the UK's climate commitments
- Create industrial landscapes in rural communities
The Political Battle Over Energy Security
Reform UK argues that domestic shale gas extraction is essential for energy security and reducing reliance on foreign imports. However, critics counter that this approach ignores the rapid advances in renewable technology and the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels.
The revelation of this comprehensive fracking map adds a new dimension to the energy debate in the ongoing election campaign, providing voters with a clear visual representation of what Reform UK's policies could mean for their local areas.
