Gorton and Denton comment: energy and climate issues

Commenting on the Gorton and Denton by-election result, Alasdair Johnstone from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said: "Cost-of-living issues loomed large in this by-election, but it's notable, that when it comes to how to deal with the issue of energy costs, 68% of voters opted for parties which endorse transitioning to renewable energy and meeting the net zero 2050 target in order to protect UK billpayers from global volatility and tackle climate change.

"Indeed, there is not much evidence that the fracturing of the cross-party consensus on climate in Parliament reflects the broader public mood, with voters increasingly alert to the growing impacts of climate change. When it comes to local government, even some of Reform UK’s Combined Authority Mayors and local councillors continue to support renewables, and the jobs they're creating in their local areas, in spite of their party's positioning at Westminster, with previous polling showing a majority (54%) of their voters support measures to stop climate change [1]."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. ECIU: https://eciu.net/analysis/polling-cards/local-election-majority-of-reform-voters-back-climate-targets 

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net