December 28, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in Britain are divided over their government's purported plans to build new nuclear power stations in the future, according to a poll by ICM Research published in The Guardian. 45 per cent of respondents support an expansion of nuclear energy, while 48 per cent are opposed.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in Britain are divided over their government's purported plans to build new nuclear power stations in the future, according to a poll by ICM Research published in The Guardian. 45 per cent of respondents support an expansion of nuclear energy, while 48 per cent are opposed.

Last month, British prime minister Tony Blair declared, "Energy prices have risen. Energy supply is under threat. Climate change is producing a sense of urgency. The future is clean energy and nations will look to diversify out of energy dependence on one source." Blair said his government would decide whether to build new nuclear power stations by next summer.

There are currently 14 functioning nuclear reactors in Britain, which produce 21 per cent of the country's electricity. All but one will reach the end of their operational lifetimes by 2023.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose an expansion of nuclear energy?

Support	45%
Oppose	48%
Not sure	7%

Source: ICM Research / The Guardian
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,004 British adults, conducted from Dec. 15 to Dec. 18, 2005. No margin of error was provided.