Doubts cast over strength of climate commitments

Comments from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has raised alarm over the strength over the country's climate commitments.

Talking about the net zero targets, the Prime Minster told reporters yesterday that he wants to take a “pragmatic” approach to net zero targets, given the cost of living crisis and inflation, promising not to "unnecessarily" add costs to households.

Environmental policies have made the headlines after the Conservatives won the seat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, with voters protesting against the expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) in August.

Sunak was asked about pressure to soften some environmental policies, such as the ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and vans, and said he was listening to their concerns.

Sunak said: “I’m standing up for the British people because I’m also cognisant that we’re living through a time at the moment where inflation is high,” he explained.

“That’s having an impact on household and families’ bills. I don’t want to add to that, I want to make it easier.”

Michael Gove, meanwhile, has told the Radio Times that the 2030 ban is “immovable”.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO, Zapmap, said: “The country’s future climate commitments should not be a political football, especially when the signs of global heating are so visible today.

"Road transport accounts for around 20% of all our emissions, and electric vehicles are a proven technology solution.

"The 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars has given business the confidence to invest — an entire industry is working towards meeting this deadline and it is well within reach.

“In spite of the recent surge in misinformation, the facts are that charging infrastructure is rolling out at pace, electric sales are strong despite a challenging economy, and existing EV drivers are happier with their vehicles than those still driving petrol.

"The government must be like a handbrake-less electric car, and not roll back.”