Stick to net zero...or lose a quarter of Tory voters

A QUARTER of Tory voters would reconsider backing the party again if the Government weakened its net-zero targets.

A poll of 2,500 across regions found at least 27 per cent would be less likely to support Boris Johnson if he softened his green policies.

Only 16 per cent said they would be more likely to vote Tory in such a case.

Lord Howard, former leader of the party, said: “Tackling climate change is completely aligned with Conservative values. We want to preserve our natural heritage so we can pass it on to future generations.

“That’s why so many of our voters are committed to decarbonising our economy.

“Achieving net zero is not only critical to avoiding the worst consequences of climate change, but for the UK’s national security and future economic prosperity. There would be no political or economic reward for letting the UK fall behind in the global race for net zero and continuing our dependence on oil and gas imports.”

The Government this week unveiled its energy security strategy. This builds on the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution and net-zero targets that the UK is legally bound to reach by 2050.

Nuclear power forms a key part of the plan, with offshore wind, solar and hydrogen also featuring.

But pollsters for the Conservative Environment Network (CEN) found that in Red Wall constituencies, as many as 34 per cent of all voters would be less likely to vote Conservative if net zero was weakened.

Some 60 per cent of Tories say climate change would be an important consideration in deciding how they vote at the next election.

Only 18 per cent see it as “unimportant”.

Sam Hall, director of the CEN, said: “If the Government listened to a small number of sceptics, as well as the significant geopolitical, environment and economic consequences, it is clear there would be stark electoral consequences for the party from ditching its green commitments.

“If net zero was weakened, the party would jeopardise not only its previous supporters but potential voters too.

“Net-zero promises jobs and new industries, and reinforces the Government’s levelling-up agenda.

“It’s no surprise there could be a high electoral price to pay by weakening it.”