Poll shows Labour voters prioritize energy costs over emissions

Exclusive polling commissioned by the campaign group Looking for Growth has found that a large majority of Labour voters want the government to prioritise cutting energy costs over cutting emissions. The survey, conducted by Merlin Strategy, asked 2024 Labour voters about their priorities for the next leader and for energy policy. It found that 80% of Labour voters said the government should prioritise cutting energy costs over cutting emissions. Only 21% said cutting emissions should be the priority. Even among voters who left Labour to vote for the Green Party, 77% said cutting energy costs should come first. On the question of what the next prime minister should focus on, 61% of Labour voters said reducing the cost of living should be the top priority, while just 6% said reaching net zero should be the top priority. The polling comes as Ed Miliband, the shadow energy secretary, is reportedly considering allowing North Sea drilling in an attempt to ease market concerns about the economic impact of Labour's net zero plans. The findings suggest that Miliband's potential shift on drilling may align with the views of his own party's voters, who overwhelmingly favour lower energy bills over emissions reductions.