An almighty row has broken out in the Conservative Party after it emerged that Rishi Sunak is set to delay net zero policies, including the switch to electric cars.
Rishi Sunak will deliver a speech at 16.30 this afternoon, Downing Street has confirmed.Mr Sunak is expected to confirm that while the UK's commitment to reaching net zero by 2050 remains, a number of green policies will be weakened.
"Welcome good news," tweeted Simon Clarke MP, fresh from last night's frustrated critique of his government's approach to net zero.The note of caution is important - because while inflation may be falling slightly, it's still painfully high, and that's what really matters to voters. That would make inflation only the second of the five targets - along with growing the economy - that the PM really looks like he has any chance of hitting.
"The British people are trying to do the right things for our planet, even as they are struggling to make ends meet. But they have been let down over and over again by this out-of-touch Conservative government. Since then, both the Conservatives and Labour have wavered on green policies - but some say it is being overblown.that they're going to wait for the PM's announcement, but added:"Uxbridge [is] being blown out of proportion. In the middle of a race, when you're out in front, you don't just pull up. That's what he's doing.
Some more reaction to the news that the date for phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles could be pushed back from 2030 to 2035. But Howard Cox, the Reform UK candidate for London mayor and founder of fuel price campaign FairFuelUK, disagrees wholeheartedly. We've just had a statement from the GMB union - which represents over half a million workers - saying the government has"lost its way", and calling for a"credible, coherent plan" on industrial strategy.
"Gas will be a central part of the nation's energy mix for decades to come and politicians need to wake up to this reality. So 2035 was always the more important date anyway. From then only fully electric cars could be sold - and that may not change. This all depends on gains in technology and efficiency. It's not guaranteed. And that will be a concern.That may win the votes of climate sceptics, but it will send shivers through businesses that are having to make big investment decisions.But the UK also has a target - written in law - to cut emissions by 78% from 1990 levels by 2035.
"This U-turn will cause a huge headache for manufacturers, who are crying out for clarity and consistency, and it is hardly going to encourage the vast majority of drivers who are yet to buy an electric car to make the switch."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cleverly pledges to help developing nations’ sustainable developmentPrime Minister Rishi Sunak is not attending the UN General Assembly this week.
Read more »
Rishi Sunak set to announce major backtrack on UK's climate commitmentsTHE UK Government is set to announce a major rollback of green policy commitments, reports suggest.
Read more »
i morning briefing: Why would Rishi Sunak tear up net zero pledges?The PM's reported plans have been called 'environmentally bone-headed' and a 'moment of shame'
Read more »
Rishi Sunak set to rip up net zero policies ahead of electionPlans to ban sales of petrol cars by 2030 and new gas boilers by 2035 are both expected to be watered down
Read more »
Rishi Sunak faces pressure from own party amid rollback on climate policiesRISHI Sunak has attracted fierce criticism from his own party as he prepares to roll back on the UK Government’s key climate commitments.
Read more »
Car giant Ford hits out at Rishi Sunak over planned climate pledge U-turnTHE motoring giant Ford has hit out at the UK Government in a rare political intervention after reports that Rishi Sunak was plotting to U-turn on…
Read more »