The Dutch have become more open to the government’s plans to tackle climate change since the decision to include a carbon tax for heavy industry in the package, according to a survey by I&O Research on behalf of the AD.

Some 33% now say they are positive about the government’s strategy, compared with 25% three weeks ago, before the u-turn on a carbon tax. Some 27% are now negative about the plans, down from 33% during the first survey, the AD said.

‘Most voters would appear to value the fact that the prime minister has shown leadership,’ spokesman Peter Kanne told the paper.

Some 76% of those polled said they welcomed the decision to include the tax on polluting industries and 73% are pleased the tax on energy is to be reduced.

Earlier this month the government said it would cut energy taxes for private households and bring in some form of carbon tax for heavy industry.

The concessions followed the publication of two reports on the cabinet’s climate plans which said consumers would pick up most of the bill for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.