Analysis: Reform UK Target Seats Face Immediate Fracking Risk if Ban Lifted
An analysis by Unearthed, Greenpeace’s investigative journalism unit, reveals that dozens of parliamentary constituencies targeted by Reform UK would be among the first locations for shale gas fracking if the party fulfills its pledge to lift England’s moratorium. This finding follows Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice’s announcement that the party would immediately remove the ban upon winning power, urging energy executives to prepare license applications. The mapping identified 127 constituencies in England and Wales with prior drilling licenses, including 34 key electoral targets for Reform, such as Ashfield and Runcorn & Helsby. While Reform’s base largely supports fracking, polling indicates the issue is divisive among potential swing voters, particularly former Labour supporters who generally oppose new local sites. The current ban, imposed in 2019 after seismic activity in Lancashire, remains unpopular with the broader UK public, with consistent opposition outweighing support. Critics argue that reviving fracking ignores climate goals and community resistance, labeling it a dangerous distraction from sustainable energy transitions.
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Analysis: Reform UK Target Seats Face Immediate Fracking Risk if Ban Lifted
An analysis by Unearthed, Greenpeace’s investigative journalism unit, reveals that dozens of parliamentary constituencies targeted by Reform UK would be among the first locations for shale gas fracking if the party fulfills its pledge to lift England’s moratorium. This finding follows Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice’s announcement that the party would immediately remove the ban upon winning power, urging energy executives to prepare license applications. The mapping identified 127 constituencies in England and Wales with prior drilling licenses, including 34 key electoral targets for Reform, such as Ashfield and Runcorn & Helsby. While Reform’s base largely supports fracking, polling indicates the issue is divisive among potential swing voters, particularly former Labour supporters who generally oppose new local sites. The current ban, imposed in 2019 after seismic activity in Lancashire, remains unpopular with the broader UK public, with consistent opposition outweighing support. Critics argue that reviving fracking ignores climate goals and community resistance, labeling it a dangerous distraction from sustainable energy transitions.
Unearthed