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Poll shows "positive shift" in MPs' attitudes to nuclear power |
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| Poll shows "positive shift" in MPs' attitudes to nuclear power |
| 25-Sep-2006 |
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A major swing towards support for nuclear power among Labour MPs is revealed by the latest parliamentary polling by MORI.
The survey, commissioned by the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), shows a big increase in positive attitudes among government ranks towards nuclear and its ongoing role as a major energy provider for the future.
Some 108 MPs (63 Labour, 29 Conservative and 16 other) were questioned in face-to-face interviews on their views on favourability towards nuclear power, attitudes to the UK's future energy mix, the issue of new nuclear build and the future role of nuclear.
Some startling top-line results include:
- Support for new nuclear build among MPs stands at 61% (up 16% since last summer's survey) while opposition has substantially dropped to 22% (down 19%)
- 60% of Labour MPs now support building of new nuclear power stations to replace those being phased out (up from 35% last year) while opposition has collapsed to just 23% (from 45% last year)
- 87% of Conservative MPs questioned said nuclear should be an energy source of the future while 81% of all MPs (up 12 points) say nuclear will be a major contributor to the UK's future energy mix
- Favourability for nuclear power is at its most positive under the current government with the main reason for support given that nuclear is needed to secure the UK's future energy supply and fill the energy gap
- Overall majority of MPs are in favour of new build but some say surety on waste issues and cost is still needed.
Keith Parker, chief executive of the NIA, said the results were "hugely encouraging" for the UK's nuclear industry.
" The results of the poll endorse the findings of the energy review. There is now widespread acknowledgement among MPs of the benefits nuclear provides in the UK's energy mix."
"The poll also highlights an emerging cross-party consensus on nuclear's future role as a secure, low carbon form of energy." |
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