Eight in 10 people in the UK support expanding the country’s renewable energy infrastructure, according to new YouGov polling commissioned by Friends of the Earth.
The survey found that 65% of Reform supporters and 83% of Conservative supporters back increased clean energy generation, despite recent party leadership moves to scale back climate commitments.
Friends of the Earth said the findings, released less than 100 days before the government publishes its revised climate plan, show a clear public mandate for “bold, ambitious and fair” action.
The poll revealed strong cross-party support for climate policies linked to UK industry, with 76% of respondents backing the use of more domestically-made components in renewables and over 80% support across all main parties.
Expanding training and job opportunities in green industries was supported by 81% of people, while 70% favoured greater investment in UK manufacturing of wind turbines.
Two-thirds backed more investment in UK steel manufacturing, rising to 81% among Reform supporters.
The polling also indicated majority support for a range of measures including requiring polluters to contribute more to environmental action (78%), improving bus services (80%), helping low-income households insulate their homes (77%) and mandating minimum energy efficiency standards in rental properties (84%).
Friends of the Earth head of science, policy and research Mike Childs said: “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.”
He added: “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.”