A new Dods poll has found that a substantial majority of the UK's MPs back nuclear energy, in a boost to the UK’s nascent new nuclear programme.
Over four fifths of MPs asked (84 per cent) expressed their support for using nuclear energy for generating electricity in the UK.
Chief executive of the nuclear industry association Keith Parker said the results emphasised “the cross-party support nuclear energy has.
“This support is crucial for an industry, where our civil nuclear power programmes can span multiple administrations.
“With the Hinkley Point C (nuclear construction project) waiting for the final investment decision, and Horizon Nuclear Power and NuGeneration Ltd progressing with the early stages of their new build programmes this polling will be welcomed by all involved; bringing investor confidence to the country as well as to our own UK supply chain."
British policymakers were also asked about the relative popularity of various forms of energy generation among their constituents and on the whole favoured solar power over wind energy or shale gas.
The differences between the parties revealed that, of UK MPs asked, the Conservatives tended to prefer shale gas over wind, with the reverse being true of Labour MPs.
Richard Black, the director of UK based NGO the energy and climate intelligence unit, said the poll showed “that MPs across the parties broadly understand their constituents’ preferences on energy, notably the public endorsement of solar power
“For Conservatives, the key question is why their policies are moving away from reflecting the public’s preferences, with ministers promoting unpopular shale gas and restricting the potential of popular solar. Are the views of a few newspaper editors more important than the views of their constituents?
“It doesn’t seem like a basis for good politics, let alone a good energy and climate policy.”
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