But key red wall seats taken by the Conservatives from Labour in 2019, often with small majorities, are in shale gas areas. Of the cabinet members who have licences in their constituencies, five have publicly opposed fracking or urged caution. Ben Wallace (defence secretary, Wyre and Preston North) opposed Cuadrilla’s plans for fracking at Roseacre Wood. The constituencies that switched to Conservative in 2019 are represented by at least six MPs who supported the fracking moratorium or opposed oil and gas developments in their constituencies. Tory shale gas MPs speak outConservatives hold 15 out of the 33 constituencies where 90% or more of the land is licensed for oil and gas extraction.

Source: The Guardian September 21, 2022 22:03 UTC