Making the Case for Data Centres to Reform UK Voters

With Reform UK continuing to perform strongly in national polling and local elections, understanding how its voters perceive development is becoming increasingly important for data centre developers bringing forward major projects.

To explore this, Alpaca Communications commissioned YouGov to survey a representative sample of the British public, including around 250 voters who supported Reform UK in the 2024 General Election.

Key findings

Messaging that resonates

The research shows that traditional environmental narratives are significantly less persuasive for Reform voters than for the wider population.

For example:

• 52% of Reform voters support data centres being powered by nuclear energy

• 46% support fossil-fuel powered data centres (more than double the wider public)

• Environmental infrastructure such as green spaces is prioritised by just 11% of Reform voters compared to 25% of the wider population

AI messaging may backfire

The research also highlights caution around linking data centres too closely to artificial intelligence.

While 58% of Reform voters recognise they rely on data centres in daily life, many remain sceptical about AI itself:

• 44% are pessimistic about AI’s economic impact

• 57% are pessimistic about its impact on jobs

What this means for developers

The report argues that engagement strategies in politically volatile areas should focus on:

• Affordable, reliable UK energy supply

• National security and digital resilience

• Minimising costs to taxpayers and consumers

• Local economic benefits and job creation

• Managing construction and proximity issues

You can download and read the full report here.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact Will Mendoza at william.mendoza@alpacacommunications.com