New ICM poll reveals strong local support for Sizewell C

A new opinion poll has shown nearly two thirds of people in East Suffolk are in favour of building Sizewell C and that support for the project outweighs opposition by more than two to one.

The survey, conducted by polling company ICM, shows that 61% of respondents support plans for the new power station, while 24% are opposed.

The results indicate residents are looking forward to the economic opportunities Sizewell C will create for East Suffolk. Most people (66%) believe it will bring jobs and training to the area while a majority (59%) agree the benefits will outweigh any temporary disruption during construction.

East Suffolk residents are also strong supporters of reducing carbon emissions to net zero (86%). A large majority said nuclear was needed as part of the energy mix (70%) and that it could help Britain become more self-sufficient (70%).

The new poll shows support for the project has remained strong in East Suffolk over the last two years. When a similar survey was conducted in November 2020, 58% said they were in favour of it going ahead while 27% were opposed.

Tom McGarry, Sizewell C’s Head of Regional Engagement, said:

“Sizewell C has always had the support of the quiet majority because it offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for jobs, training and growing prosperity. It will also continue Suffolk’s decades-long expertise in generating nuclear power for the country. While these results show supporters outnumber opponents by a big margin, we recognise that a number of local people have understandable concerns about the construction phase. We will continue to work with them to make sure we reduce disruption to the minimum level possible and maximise the benefits this project can offer.”

ICM Unlimited interviewed a representative sample of 1,000 East Suffolk residents, immediately after Sizewell C was granted a Development Consent Order.

Sizewell C is a key project for the UK’s energy future and will produce reliable low-carbon electricity to 6 million homes for at least 60 years.

It continues to make progress towards a Financial Investment Decision and the start of construction. EDF and the Government are continuing their negotiations on an agreement to provide £700m in development funding.

Last week, Sizewell C was highlighted as one of the UK infrastructure projects which would be accelerated under the Plan for Growth announced by the new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.

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Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP at a visit to the Sizewell site earlier this year

Editorial notes

1. (800 adults were interviewed by telephone and 200 were interviewed in an online survey) between 27^th July and 5^th September 2022
2. Read all the ICM data here