80% of Brits back rapid renewable energy expansion, poll finds

Eight in 10 Brits would support the UK generating more energy by expanding the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure, including nearly two thirds (65%) of Reform supporters.

The new YouGov survey , commissioned by environmental justice organisation Friends of the Earth, also found broad public support for fair climate policies.

The new findings come with less than 100 days to go until the publication of the government’s revised climate plan, which must be bold, ambitious and fair, says the group.

New polling shows the breadth of public support for Britain seizing its full renewable power potential, with 80% of people saying they would support the UK generating more of its own homegrown energy through the expansion of the country’s clean energy infrastructure.

This includes support from nearly two thirds (65%) of Reform supporters, despite the party recently announcing that it would scrap energy companies’ renewables subsidies. Approval among Conservative supporters was also markedly high at 83%, suggesting that party leader Kemi Badenoch’s climbdown on the climate is out of step with her own party’s supporters.

The new findings from YouGov, commissioned by the environmental justice organisation Friends of the Earth, also found that there are high levels of public support where environmental policies strengthen British industry.

The survey revealed that 76% of Brits would support the renewable energy industry using more UK-made components. Interestingly, this received cross-party favour, with support across the Conservative, Green, Labour and Reform parties polling similarly at over 80%.

Expanding training and job opportunities in green industries – such as the offshore wind sector – and greater investment in UK manufacturing of wind turbines, were two policies also popular with the public, with 81% and 70% of people indicating their support respectively.

This suggests that the huge potential of Britain’s green economy, which grew 10% last year and supports nearly 1 million jobs, has cut through with the public – not wholly surprising given the state of the economy is a top concern for people in the UK. However recent moves to fracture the political consensus on the climate do not reflect the public mood.

Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, says:

“The UK is already feeling the effects of climate change, that much is clear. Extended heatwaves, more intense storms and frequent flooding mean thousands across the country are already being impacted.

“While some parties are opposing climate action just as extreme weather is intensifying, our polling shows that transformative climate policies remain popular with voters of all stripes – particularly when they’re designed in a way that’s fair, or can help boost our struggling economy.

“Britain’s a global leader when it comes to offshore wind, but we still hold enormous untapped potential. Taking full advantage of our homegrown renewable resources can guarantee our energy security, bring bills down and even position the UK as a leading manufacturing power.

“If we’re to secure these benefits and lock the UK into a more prosperous future, then it’s vital the government’s climate plan, due in October, is both bold and fair.”