Most Scots considering voting Reform back action on climate, poll finds

Most Scots considering voting for “anti-net zero parties” at the Holyrood election support action on climate change, a poll has shown.

The survey by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) found 61% of voters considering backing Reform UK support measures to tackle climate change.

Meanwhile 57% of those planning to vote Conservative – and 48% of those considering supporting the party – also support the Scottish Government introducing policies to reduce carbon emissions to tackle global warming.

Reform and the Tories have said that if elected in May, they would scrap Scotland’s target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

The survey found the only group with more voters opposed to than supportive of action on climate change were those already committed to voting Reform UK – with 46% opposed compared with 27% in favour.

For other parties, the survey found “consistently high” levels of support for efforts to tackle climate change among their current and potential backers.

It showed the vast majority (87%) of those considering voting for the SNP support action to tackle climate change, alongside 80% of those planning to vote SNP.

The ECIU warned the recent change in position by the SNP to one more supportive of new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea therefore risks putting them at odds with a big chunk of their voters.

Among Labour supporters, over three-quarters (78%) of those considering voting Labour support action compared with 14% opposed, as do 77% of those planning to vote for the party.

Overall, the survey found the majority of people in Scotland support action to tackle climate change, with nearly three in five (58%) supporting efforts by the Scottish Government to implement policies to reduce emissions, compared to 15% who oppose, with 20% undecided.

The polling also suggests most Scots accept the scientific consensus on climate change. Overall, nearly three-fifths (59%) say climate change is happening and caused by human activity, while 24% believe it is happening but part of natural cycles, while 7% do not think it is happening at all.

Laura Anderson, senior associate at the ECIU, said: “Even Scots considering voting for anti-net zero parties want to see action on climate, but whereas politicians may not be, the science is very clear that reaching net zero emissions is the only way to stop climate change and bring our climate back into balance.

“That’s just a fact.

“If we’re to stop the flooding, the drought and the prices on supermarket shelves getting ever worse, then we have to hit net zero emissions.”

Respondents were also asked about whether they think reaching net zero is necessary to stop climate change, with just over two-fifths (44%) agreeing it is, compared to a third (34%) who think it is not.

Notably, despite their support for action on climate, just over half (54%) of those who would consider voting Conservative and just under half (47%) of those who plan to do so said they thought reaching net zero emissions is not necessary to stopping climate change.

Likewise, just under half (49%) of those who would consider and nearly two thirds (64%) of those who plan to vote Reform UK do not think that reaching net zero is necessary.

The survey of 1,003 Scottish adults was carried out by the polling firm More in Common between February 15 and March 3.

Scottish Conservative energy spokesperson Douglas Lumsden said: “We all want to cut emissions and tackle climate change but the SNP and Labour’s reckless rush to net zero is totally unrealistic.

“North Sea oil and gas drives billions into our economy and supports thousands of jobs but both of Scotland’s governments are desperate to talk it down at every opportunity.

“This shameful presumption against the oil and gas sector and refusal to grant new drilling licences is one of the reasons bills are skyrocketing.

“If the SNP win the election they will continue to demonise this crucial industry.”

Jackie Dunbar, SNP candidate for Aberdeen Donside, said: “The fundamental thing that people understand is we have immense resources in our North Sea and in our renewables sector, yet we pay the highest bills in Europe under Westminster control. It doesn’t add up.

“Our future is in low-cost renewables, but that future is being squandered by Labour’s tax on Scotland’s energy that is ruining our energy sector workforce and the supply chain we need to deliver it – we have a world-class offshore industry and we can build a new renewable one right by its side.

“Through a fresh start with independence, we can put Scotland’s energy in Scotland’s hands and use our energy wealth to bring down bills and build a wealthier Scotland.”