An MHK says it is only right to test the public support for Net Zero policies alongside next year’s general election.
Stu Peters is bringing a motion to Tynwald proposing a referendum on the government’s Net Zero policies.
He stated the idea came from former MHK Paul Quine, adding, “every time the government talks about Net Zero, they say that the majority of the population is for it and is for all the amount all the money that we spend on net zero.
“Certainly, nine out of 10 people I speak to are against it”.
Mr Peters said he aims to establish “exactly how much public support there is for it to inform the next administration.”
When challenged that elected members should make decisions, the Middle MHK highlighted the upcoming general election as the “perfect vehicle.”
He suggested adding a line to the ballot paper: “do you agree with government’s policies as far as and spending, as far as Net Zero is concerned? Yes, no, simple as that”.
He also dismissed accusations of electioneering as “absolute nonsense”, citing his record of questioning Net Zero dating back to before his time as an MHK.
Mr Peters further argued the motion is about democracy, not climate change. He said: “This is about democracy and letting people have a say and finding out what people really think about it.”
He believes public opinion has shifted, saying, “if you ask the same 100 people now, do you agree with the government’s plot as far as climate change is concerned, I think that probably less than 50% of people would say yes”.