The public tend to think that an increase in the use of nuclear power is a good thing, with support across all political parties
Construction of a new nuclear power plant in Somerset was given the go ahead today. The new plant will be the first nuclear power plant to be built in the UK since 1995 and will increase the amount of the UKs energy supply generated at Hinckley Point from 1% to 7%.
YouGov polling conducted last week shows that there is broad support for nuclear power in principle.
46% of the public tend to think that a significant increase in Britain’s use of nuclear power would be a good thing, 29% feel it would be a bad thing and a further 25% don’t know.
Of those who gave an opinion, 61% say it’s a good thing and 39% think it’s bad.
There is support for nuclear power across the political spectrum, although UKIP voters are the most enthusiastic (65%) followed by Conservatives (55%). Lib Dems (46%) and Labour voters (43%) are less enthusiastic but are still more likely to say it's a good thing than bad.
Analysis from YouGov's social media analysis tool SoMA found that 50.8% of UK twitter users had been exposed to the story today.
Image: Getty
