The poll for newspaper The Sunday Times shows 55% of those questioned backing an increase to the number of wind farms built.

A further 14% supported wind being maintained at its current level.

Solar power is even more popular than wind, with 72% of Britons in favour, according to the poll by research group YouGov.

The strong backing for renewables – in line with a similar poll last year – will cheer their supporters in a country with some of the most outspoken and virulent opponents of green energy among its media and political class.

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