Nigel Farage Accused of Plan to ‘Rip Up Welsh Countryside’ with Fracking
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have pledged to fight any attempt by Nigel Farage and Reform UK to impose fracking on Wales, warning that the proposals could damage the countryside and threaten local communities.
On 25 August, Reform UK announced plans to allow fracking across the United Kingdom, with senior figures including Nigel Farage and Richard Tice urging energy companies to prepare. The Welsh Liberal Democrats highlight that if Reform UK performs well in the 2026 Senedd elections, it could use devolved powers to push fracking in Wales.
Powers to license fracking in Wales have been devolved to the Welsh Government since 2018, and with the Senedd elections approaching next year, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated the public should know about Reform's plans to restart fracking licenses.
The party argues that fracking poses risks to the environment, causing noise, air and water pollution, while undermining efforts to tackle climate change. Fracking trials in England triggered earthquakes and left communities concerned about safety. They say that returning to shale gas would be a step backwards when investment should focus on renewables, home insulation and green jobs.
They also warn that fracking sites are visually intrusive and would tear up parts of the Welsh countryside, harming tourism and disrupting local life. The party is urging people who want to protect wildlife and landscapes to stand against Farage and Reform at the ballot box in 2026. The Party has also launched a petition opposing Farage’s plans: https://www.libdems.wales/nofracking
Commenting, Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:
“Wales has made its opposition to fracking crystal clear. Local people do not want to see our beautiful countryside torn up for a failed experiment that has caused earthquakes and pollution elsewhere. Yet Nigel Farage and his Reform colleagues are determined to ignore the evidence and gamble with the safety of our communities.
“Let me be clear, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will fight any attempt to bring fracking back to Wales. We will oppose it in our communities, in the Senedd and in every corner of this country.
“At the 2026 Senedd elections, the choice will be stark. A vote for Farage and Reform risks tearing up our countryside and dragging Wales backwards. A vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats is a vote to protect our environment, invest in clean renewable energy and secure a safer and greener future for generations to come.”
Adding his comments, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said:
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are leading the fight to protect our countryside, whether that is standing up against sewage being dumped into our rivers or stopping Nigel Farage and Reform from tearing up our natural landscapes through fracking.
“Reform’s announcement shows they are prepared to put their interests before those of our communities. Fracking has already been tried and failed in England. It caused earthquakes, divided communities and never delivered cheaper energy.
“Here in Wales, we will not allow Nigel Farage and his party to rip up our countryside for the sake of a reckless experiment. The message is clear: if people want to protect Wales from fracking, they should vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats.”
ENDS