New poll shows majority of Conservative voters back onshore wind
by David McPhee
A Highland Conservative MSP has said it is “not at all surprising” that a
new poll shows a majority of Tory voters back onshore wind.
Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and
Islands, was reacting to a poll commissioned by the Conservative
Environment Network, which shows 75% of Tory voters support onshore wind
projects.
Mr Johnston said the new figures were an indication that Conservatives
supporters “wish to see action” on climate change.
But he added: “The problem that we have faced in Moray and north-east of
Scotland is that we have seen too many proposals for onshore wind
developments that fly in the face of the opinions of local communities and
which have been imposed regardless of the decisions of local elected
representative.”
A local veto on onshore wind currently stands in England, whereas in
Scotland no such rules that govern the industry.
In May, Westminster announced that more onshore wind development is “not
right for England” as public opinion in favour of the technology soared
across the UK.
A new poll released last month by the UK department of Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy (BEIS) showed a growth in public attitude from 76% in
2018 to 79% in 2019.
The survey of 20,000 people throughout the UK by independent pollsters
Survation also reveals that Conservative voters prefer onshore wind to
fracking by a majority of 2 to 1.
RenewableUK’s deputy chief executive Emma Pinchbeck said: “Now that the UK
Government has done the right thing by committing to net zero, it needs to
unblock the cheapest technology, onshore wind, to allow the UK to hit the
target at the lowest cost.
“This new polling shows that’s what Conservative voters want, and it
explodes the myth that onshore wind is less popular in rural areas.
“The survey also shows that the current block on onshore wind is out of
step with public opinion – most people are wise to the fact that onshore
wind is a cheap and vital part of our clean energy future.”
0 Comments