Blog: Opinion poll shows public support for nuclear new build

By Hinkley Point C media team | Posted September 14, 2016

ICM has conducted a monthly tracker poll of 2,000 people nationally on behalf of EDF Energy since April 2014.

ICM asked the following question: To what extent do you support or oppose the development of new nuclear power stations in Britain?

The most recent poll, in August 2016, found 48% supported and 19% opposed the development of new nuclear power stations.

The level of support has been consistent throughout the whole time ICM has been conducting the poll, as shown in the attached chart.

ICM asked the question without providing any information to influence the response.

We have been in regular dialogue with the communities around the proposed sites for new build at Hinkley Point and Sizewell for many years. Polling demonstrates that the level of support is above the national average in these communities.

Q: To what extent do you support or oppose the development of new nuclear power stations in Britain?

14% strongly support
34% tend to support
27% neither
10% tend to oppose
9% strongly oppose
6% don’t know

NET Support: 48%
NET Oppose: 19%

Nuclear energy - public opinion 2016

Source:
- Monthly online omnibus run by ICM Unlimited, c. 2,000 GB adults each month. Latest fieldwork 26-29 August 2016.
- Question wording: To what extent do you support or oppose the development of new nuclear power stations in Britain?
- %Strongly / tend to support and strongly / tend to oppose shown. Neither support or oppose and Don’t know not shown.
- Tracking started in April 2014. 

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