Widespread Concern Among Britons Over Rising Energy Costs and Climate Policies

88% of participants are apprehensive about energy costs. Alongside this concern, nearly 77% expressed worries about the UK's reliance on energy imports and 72% fear possible interruptions in supply.

Support for the development of clean energy sources is notable, with two-thirds of respondents indicating they would back such initiatives in their locality, a figure that rises to 78% if it could lead to lower bills. Despite this, fewer than half (48%) would be willing to endorse renewable energy projects that disrupt the local aesthetic. The support for building on greenfield land also reflects reluctance, with only 40% in favor. Concerns about climate change are widespread, as just 12% of people consider it to be a minor issue, while 7% highlight it as a top priority for the nation.

While 76% of Britons advocate for enhanced investment in renewable technologies like solar and wind, only 48% support increased funding for nuclear energy. Support for the revival of fossil fuel production stands at 43%, and only 28% are in favor of restarting fracking activities. However, there is strong backing (76%) for initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses. Responding to these findings, Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, criticized current energy policies and stressed the need for domestic energy security solutions such as North Sea drilling and onshore shale gas exploitation.

Conversely, a representative from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero defended the government's strategy to reduce carbon emissions. They emphasized that accelerating the transition to clean energy sources by 2030 would safeguard both family budgets and national finances against fluctuations in fossil fuel prices. The spokesperson highlighted that investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements could potentially lift many households out of fuel poverty by 2030, positively impacting the rental sector as well.