Nigel Farage faces a setback as recent polling indicates that the majority of the public are in favor of the UK’s net zero commitments. According to a YouGov survey, 60% of respondents support the UK’s environmental pledges, while 25% are against them.
Reform UK has opposed Britain’s climate targets, denying the existence of a climate crisis, and advocating for a return to fracking. Kemi Badenoch has also expressed intentions to abandon the UK Government’s climate promises.
During COP 30 in Belem, Brazil, the Prime Minister criticized both Reform UK and the Tories, emphasizing the importance of full commitment to net zero to avoid negative impacts on energy costs and national security.
Support for net zero commitments is strongest among Green voters from 2024, with 86% in favor. Additionally, between 76-79% of Labour and Lib Dem supporters also support these initiatives.
Although Theresa May enshrined the net zero commitment in law in 2019, only 48% of Tories currently back the target, with less enthusiastic support. The majority of Reform UK voters oppose net zero, with 67% against and only 23% in favor.
Opposition to net zero seems to be influenced by personal perceptions, as 75% of opponents anticipate negative personal effects. The survey of 2083 adults also revealed that 39% believe the government is not doing enough to combat climate change.
While just 2% of Britons believe the UK will achieve its net zero pledge, 18% think the country will make significant progress. Among net zero supporters, only 28% believe that the UK will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In response, a Labour spokesperson highlighted the benefits of clean energy for energy security, lower bills, and job creation. They criticized opposing parties for jeopardizing clean energy jobs and increasing costs for families and businesses.
The Labour party is providing financial relief to six million families on energy bills this winter and promoting clean energy solutions to create jobs and reduce long-term costs, contrasting with the perceived negative impacts of Reform UK’s energy policies.
