He continued,

“It is anticipated that 64,000 new jobs will be created when shale gas production begins in the UK. New employment opportunities will be created right across the supply chain securing skilled workers and helping to keep the UK competitive.

A further benefit of investing in shale exploitation will be increased tax revenues, which we believe should be ring fenced in a sovereign fund and used to upgrade domestic properties to make them as energy efficient as possible – helping to tackle fuel poverty and deliver a low carbon future.

The additional gas supply will also have a major impact on prices helping to reduce the fluctuations that are currently experienced. Exploiting shale gas reserves will add a new dimension to the UK’s energy mix, helping to secure our energy supply and reduce the impact of our reliance on gas from overseas.

The GMB is right it is our moral obligation to exploit shale.”