Responding to the Institute of Directors report on shale gas published today [Wednesday 22 May 2013], Friends of the Earth Energy Campaigner Tony Bosworth said:

"This industry-funded report paints a completely distorted view of the benefits of shale gas development in Britain.

"Shale gas extraction will have a major impact on local communities, undermine efforts to tackle climate change and do little to tackle soaring fuel bills.

"We should be embarking on a clean energy revolution to develop the huge potential from the wind, waves and sun - not rushing further down the dead end street of fossil fuel production."

ENDS

1. The Institute of Directors' new report, Getting shale gas working - sponsored by Cuadrilla Resources Ltd - is published today.