Britons expect their energy bills to rise over the next 12 months and oppose draconian measures to cut carbon emissions to zero, an exclusive poll reveals.

According to Freshwater Strategy, 72% of respondents expect energy prices to rise over the year, and only 6% think bills will go down.

There is strong opposition to radical measures to ensure the country reaches net zero emissions by 2050.

Just 38% said they would support limiting the amount of meat and “carbon-intensive proteins” consumed if that was what it took to meet the target. Only 34% of respondents would favor a ban on all natural gas household appliances from 2035.

Only 32% would support limiting the amount of livestock that can be used in agriculture.

The study shows that the British do not want to be affected in the fight against climate change.

While 52% of people would accept a cost of £10 per taxpayer to reach net zero, this falls to 44% if the cost of meeting the carbon target by 2050 is £50 per head. Just 16% of respondents would support a payment of £500 per taxpayer – and just 14% £1,000.

Matthew Lesh, of Freshwater Strategy, said that while “the UK public is largely supportive of renewable energy and tackling climate change”, once you “scratch beneath the surface, views are much more nuanced “. He said “the findings raise serious questions about the feasibility of more radical approaches to reaching net zero without significant public resistance.”

A majority thinks Donald Trump’s election as US president has dealt a major blow to Britain’s chances of reaching net zero by 2050.

Fifty-four percent said they might be less likely to achieve this goal, while only 17% say it is more likely.

The poll showed that many citizens are willing to accept radical changes to slow climate change.

Forty-seven percent were willing to accept a limit on the number of flights they could take per year from 2035 if that’s what’s needed to reach net zero. Only 36% are opposed to it.

Forty-two percent of respondents were willing to see a 20 percent increase in the cost of air travel, with 38 percent opposed.

When it comes to the most popular energy sources, solar (77%), offshore wind (67%), and onshore wind (64%) are strongly supported. Natural gas (45%), nuclear (39%) and coal (23%) are less supported.

The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated in 2021 that the “net cost to government” of achieving net zero emissions would be £344 billion, the equivalent of “0.4% of GDP in additional public spending each year.

A spokesperson for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero said: “Net Zero is the economic opportunity of the 21st century and will deliver good jobs, economic growth and energy security.

“Only by investing in the transition to net zero now can we reduce costs in the future. This is supported by analysis from the Office for Budget Responsibility which shows that delaying the transition will double the total cost of debt by 2050.”