Archived press release

Public give massive support for key green policies

20 June 1997

The public give overwhelming support to five key green policies according to new opinion research commissioned by Friends of the Earth and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds [1]. The research - a general election exit poll of 2847 voters in 4 constituencies -shows that over four-fifths of voters support the following policies:

Policy Supported Percent of Sample

1. Invest in more energy conservation in homes to save energy and cut 88% domestic bills
2. Cut VAT on energy saving equipment to reduce energy use in the home. 87%
3. Prevent burial of imported nuclear waste in Britain 84%
4. Provide better legal protection for wildlife 84%
5. Publish league tables of worst polluting factories in each area 81%

The public support the use of a range of policy tools to improve environmental protection.Over fourth-fifths endorse the use of regulations, voluntary measures, and - a topical issue as Gordon Brown prepares his first Budget - tax reforms. 81% supported the proposal that Government should "Use the tax system to make it more expensive for business to damage the environment but cheaper to employ people".

The poll results [2] also reveal that as an issue determining voter choice, the environment was more important than Europe, taxation or housing and was only one point behind the economy. Almost three quarters of voters (73%) believed that environmental issues should have been given "higher" or "much higher" priority in the main parties' election campaigns with only a quarter happy with the attention actually paid.

Two thirds of those polled, and 68% of Labour voters, believe that the Government should give a high priority to environmental issues with 28% rating this as "essential".

Charles Secrett, Executive Director at Friends of the Earth, said:

"It's clear that voters want green policies put into practice right away. This Government has a mandate to be the greenest in British history and must seize the opportunity to take a lead. Prime Minister Blair can go to Earth Summit II next week, confident that the British public support a strong stance on environmental action. He can promise the action at home that will convince other nations to work with Britain to protect the planet and its people."

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, said:

"The Government's current encouraging approach is mining a rich seam of environmental opinion. This research clearly identifies the extent to which the public support not just wildlife protection, but the greening of the whole economy. The forthcoming Budget provides a valuable opportunity for the Chancellor to take action for the environment."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] The poll was undertaken by Robertson Bell Associates for Friends of the Earth and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. 2,847 exit interviews were conducted in four widely-spread constituencies (Brighton Pavilion, Bristol North-West, Copeland (Cumbria)and Presceli (Pembrokeshire).

[2] A summary of key findings is attached. Full results of the opinion research, and the questions asked are available on request. Call FOE Press Office on 020-7566 1649.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust