(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in Britain are split on the issue of nuclear energy, according to a poll by YouGov released by KPMG. 45 per cent of respondents believe Britain should reduce its nuclear capacity, down 14 points since April 2005.

Conversely, 36 per cent of respondents would like to expand the use of nuclear energy, up seven points in 13 months.

In November 2005, 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."

Earlier this month during an online chat, Blair wrote, "We are undertaking a review now of what the energy needs are going to be but it's possible that we may actually need more than the renewables. I think there is going to be a huge need to develop all of this and incidentally clean coal technology as well."

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 think Britain should increase its nuclear capacity, reduce its nuclear capacity, or keep it as it is?

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