Sunday 3 October 2021

Some UK Conservative Voters May Be Going Blue-Green?

Greenpeace UK surveyed 1000 voters in the so-called 'blue wall'. This is just over 40 English constituencies that routinely return Conservative Members of Parliament (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/03/tax-flights-and-ditch-gas-boilers-blue-wall-voters-back-green-policy ). This survey is extremely superficial, as the questions can only have been posed to an average of fewer than 25 voters in each constituency. One must also ask, whether all respondents were actual 'dyed in the wool' Tory voters? Did they reflect the varied age groups, genders, socio-economic statuses etc in the constituencies? In spite of its obvious limitations, the results of the poll are suggestive. Only 9% of the sample thought the governing Conservative party was doing too much on the climate crisis. 25% thought the level of government activity was about right but 50% wanted more action. There were also small (between 54 and 60%) majorities for phasing out home gas boilers; taxing frequent flyers; replacing petrol/diesel cars and giving more aid to poor countries to help pay for emissions reductions. Perhaps the pressure on the current UK government, to talk less and start making meaningful changes, has wider support than was thought? A lot more data is, however, needed on this issue.

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