Updates July 16, 2025

New Report: UK voters support a new UK-EU Climate Partnership to lower energy bills and protect the environment

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Today, European Movement UK has launched a major new policy report - and a wider national campaign - calling for a UK-EU Energy, Climate and Environment Partnership.

Exclusive data from new polling commissioned by European Movement UK reveals a clear and growing public consensus:

  • 67% of UK voters want Britain to work with other countries to tackle climate change
  • 69% support international action to prevent environmental damage
  • 71% would support a formal UK-EU partnership to reduce energy bills and harmful chemicals, even if it meant applying some EU rules

The European Movement's latest report outlines a four-pillar Partnership to deliver practical, lasting benefits for the UK:

  1. Linking carbon markets and rejoining the EU Internal Electricity Market
  2. Full UK membership of the North Seas Energy Cooperation
  3. Alignment on environmental and chemical safety standards
  4. Rejoining strategic EU agencies and programmes -including the European Environment Agency and the LIFE Programme - to restore access to vital data, funding, and scientific collaboration.

Caroline Lucas, Co-President of European Movement UK, said:

“A UK-EU Green Partnership would deliver exactly what people want - a greener, healthier future.

"It would also cut climate emissions and lower household energy bills, protect and restore our shared environment and public health, and secure a seat at the table in shaping the rules that affect us. Above all, it would show that cooperation - not isolation - delivers for people and planet alike.

"Since leaving the EU, we’ve seen mounting and damaging divergence. The consequences are already being felt - in the decline of nature, rising bills, and even in the food on our plates. In some cases, the level of glyphosate - classified by the WHO as a ‘probable human carcinogen’ - is now 7.5 times higher in the UK than in the EU.

"We need the political courage to do what’s right. The time to act is now.”

Sir Nick Harvey, CEO of European Movement UK, added:

“This new Partnership is not just about rebuilding relationships - it’s about unlocking real economic benefits for the UK.

"By aligning with higher EU standards and rejoining key programmes, the UK can unlock green investment, support British exporters, and avoid billions in costs from duplication, divergence, and future tariffs.

"European Movement UK is proud to be leading the campaign for a credible, cooperative and future-facing relationship with Europe - and this report shows how we can get there.

"Voters are ready. Business is ready. Westminster needs to catch up.”

Find out more on the campaign page and join the call on the UK Government to work to join a UK-EU environmental partnership.

 


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