PM: Fracking benefits 'clear'

The Prime Minister is urging the whole country to 'get behind fracking', claiming the controversial method of extracting gas will lower bills and create jobs.

David Cameron believes it offers 'huge benefits'.

But, in Balcombe in West Sussex, where exploratory drilling is already underway, some local people told ITV News reporter Ben Chapman that they aren't convinced.

A Number 10 spokesman has said that the Prime Minister is keen to ensure that local people were "properly consulted" on shale gas extraction in their communities.

Asked if the Prime Minister would support fracking in his own constituency of Whitney, the spokesman said Mr Cameron saw "huge potential benefits" from fracking for shale gas and that "ultimately, that view is as relevant in his constituency as anywhere else in the country."

Read: Cameron sets out his support for fracking

Greenpeace have responded to David Cameron's support of fracking throughout Britain.

This morning the Prime Minister gave his backing to fracking, saying that he thought it would create new jobs and secure Britain's energy future.

Read: David Cameron sets out support for fracking in Sussex

Fracking protestor George Barba shares his reaction to David Cameron's comments in support of the fracking process.

Our reporter Andy Dickenson spoke to protestors in Balcombe about their response to the Prime Minister's controversial comments.

Despite the Prime Minister's support of the fracking process, protestors at Balcombe are continuing to oppose the drilling process.

In an effort to persuade communities of the benefits of fracking, the process of extracting gas by the hydraulic fracturing of rock using high pressure liquid, firms will offer £100,000 of benefits for each exploratory well.

David Cameron also believes that fracking could bring in more jobs.

Read: PM - Fracking benefits 'clear'

A fracking site in Balcombe, West Sussex, recently became a national focal point for a campaign against hydraulic fracturing.

Read more: PM: Fracking benefits 'clear'

Hydraulic fracturing is commonly known as 'fracking' and refers to a process used to extract natural gas from the ground.

It involves pumping a mixture of water, chemicals and sand into the ground at high pressure to release gas from shale rock formations.

The method is widely used in the US where it has produced cheap natural gas, but it has also met with resistance from local communities and environmentalists.

Watch a video explaining more about the process here

The Prime Minister has said he is determined to win the national debate on the controversial gas extraction method of fracking.

Setting out his argument in the Daily Telegraph, David Cameron said: "If we don’t back this technology, we will miss a massive opportunity to help families with their bills and make our country more competitive. Without it, we could lose ground in the tough global race.

He also addressed what he said were the "worst of the myths" including suggestions that the Government wants fracking to be confined to certain parts of Britain.

"This is wrong. I want all parts of our nation to share in the benefits: north or south, Conservative or Labour. We are all in this together", Mr Cameron said.