The Parliament: Shale gas extraction could create 'thousands of jobs'

British MEP Roger Helmer says the emergence of exploration for shale oil and shale gas in some EU countries could lead to the creation of 'thousands of jobs'.

Speaking in Strasbourg, Helmer also added that he accepts no form of energy extraction can be 'entirely safe'.

His comments, on Wednesday, come after parliament adopted two resolutions saying that shale gas extraction should be backed up with "robust regulatory regimes".

On Thursday, UK government ministers were expected to give their approval for shale gas extraction in Lancashire to be resumed despite environmental concerns about fracking, the controversial process of extracting gas from deep below the ground. Operations were halted last year after extraction set off a series of earth tremors.

In its resolutions, parliament said member states should also be "cautious" about permitting exploitation of unconventional fossil fuels pending further analysis of whether EU-level regulation is appropriate.

Each member state has the right to decide on whether to exploit shale gas, said the resolution, drafted by EFD deputy Niki Tzavela, and adopted with 492 votes in favour, 129 against and 13 abstentions.

However, a "robust regulatory regime" is needed for all shale gas activities, including hydraulic fracturing. Environmentally-friendly processes and best available techniques should be used to achieve the highest safety standards, it says.  MORE