A summary of today's developments
Rishi Sunak has announced he is delaying the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK from 2030 to 2035, triggering criticism from opposition MPs and sections of the property and car industry.
The PM said he still expects that by 2030 “the vast majority” of cars will be electric because of improving technology.
He added there will be “far more time” to transition from gas boilers to heat pumps
A boiler upgrade scheme, which gives people cash grants, will be increased by 50% to £7,500 and there will be an exemption for the homes which will most struggle to switch to heat pumps.
Plans to force landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of properties have been scrapped.
Labour said it is recommitted to retaining the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Sunak insisted he remains committed to net zero by 2050 but wants to “bring people with us”. Ed Miliband, the shadow climate and net zero secretary, described Sunak’s speech as “an act of weakness”.
The RAC Foundation said the change in policy contradicted the “huge sums of money” that the government has spent on electric battery production. Its research estimated if the UK is to meet its carbon reduction obligations then at least 37% of all miles driven by cars, taxis and vans will need to be zero emission by 2030.
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Updated
Rishi Sunak has been accused of leaving the motoring industry “high and dry” after delaying a ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said: “The PM has left the industry and drivers high and dry by sacrificing the 2030 target on the altar of political advantage.
“According to our research, only half of people could see how an EV (electric vehicle) could fit into their lifestyle as it is, suggesting major barriers to adoption.
“We should be positively addressing concerns over affordability and charging rather than planting seeds of doubt.
“This announcement has only served to remove trust and confidence in the UK market.”
The RAC Foundation said the change contradicted the “huge sums of money” that the government has already spent on electric battery production.
Steve Gooding, director of the transport research organisation, said RAC research estimated if the UK is to meet its carbon reduction obligations then at least 37% of all miles driven by cars, taxis and vans will need to be zero emission by 2030.
