David Cameron urges UK to accept benefits of fracking

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said that the country should accept the benefits of the controversial fracking method of extracting gas.

The prime minister told the Guardian that fracking will be accepted by the population when its benefits are properly explained.

Fracking allows for the recovery of gas and oil from shale rocks. It has transformed the energy market in the US, reducing costs for households and businesses.

According to Cameron, the process will not destroy the countryside and will involve only minor changes to the landscape.

Cameron said that failing to back the technology would mean missing an opportunity make the country more competitive.

"Even if we only see a fraction of the impact shale gas has had in America, we can expect to see lower energy prices in this country," he said.

Fracking firms will pay £100,000 to every community located near an exploratory well. If shale gas is actually extracted, residents may receive as much as £10m from the proceeds.

Cameron has earlier said that Britain would be making a big mistake if it did not seriously consider fracking and the prospect of cheaper gas prices.

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Image: UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Photo: courtesy of Sandstein.