Less than a third of people in the UK back the government’s plans to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

A survey by Greenpeace, which asked more than 2,000 citizens, reveals only 29% of respondents support the nuclear plans.

On the other hand 34% of them said they are against it.

The survey also reveals 22% of respondents have worsened their opinion about the leading role of Chancellor George Osborne.

Earlier this year Mr Osborne announced the Government is investing £2 billion in the Hinkley project.

Doug Parr, Greenpeace UK Chief Scientist said: “Consumers are hearing from ministers that keeping bills down is their top priority. Yet George Osborne is about to plough billions into the bottomless pit of ever more expensive nuclear power whilst pulling the plug on clean energy sources that are getting cheaper every year.

“He’s putting British clean tech firms out of business whilst lavishing billions on a foreign state-owned nuclear industry. None of this makes any economic, political or business sense. There are no reasons left for going through with Hinkley but the Chancellor’s own pride.”