Three in 5 UK people support public ownership of utilities, report says

Campaign group We Own says survey shows 'privatisation has failed for nearly 40 years'

A smart energy meter, used to monitor gas and electricity use, in a home in Walthamstow, east London. AFP

More than three out of five people in the UK support public ownership of crucial utilities such as energy and water, new research suggests.

A survey of 4,300 adults showed overwhelming backing for public ownership, even among Conservative Party voters, Campaign group We Own said.

“Privatisation has failed for nearly 40 years. Politicians can’t ignore the truth any longer ― these monopolies are a cash cow for shareholders around the world and we need to take them back," said Cat Hobbs, director of We Own It.

“We need energy companies that don’t rip us off, public transport that works for passengers, water companies that don’t pour sewage into our rivers.

“We call on the government to bring energy, water, public transport and the Royal Mail into public ownership, and to reinstate our NHS (National Health Service) as a fully public service.

“Labour and all opposition parties must commit to public ownership. The clue’s in the name — public services are supposed to work for us, the public.”

Train drivers strike over pay in the UK - in pictures

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  Aslef union General Secretary Mick Whelan, in front of banner, centre, flanked by Labour MPs Dawn Butler and Barry Gardiner, on a picket line at Willesden Junction Station in London with members who walked out on strike for 24 hours over pay. All photos by PA

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  Labour MP Dawn Butler on an Aslef picket line outside Willesden Junction Station in London, as members of the train drivers union from nine different operating companies walk out for 24 hours over pay.

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  Labour MP Barry Gardiner, right, meets Aslef members and supporters on a picket line at Willesden Junction Station in London, as members of the drivers' union at nine train operating companies walk out for 24 hours over pay.

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  An Aslef member at a picket line at Willesden Junction Station in London on a 24-hour strike over pay.

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  Aslef members at a picket line at Willesden Junction Station in London on a 24-hour strike over pay.

The survey, by polling and market research company Survation, also showed overwhelming support for public ownership of buses, the railways, the NHS and Royal Mail.

Rail strikes continue to hit commuters in the UK - video