Rishi Sunak says we’ll hit net zero despite his massive U-turn
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has insisted the UK will still hit net zero by 2050, despite yesterday announcing a major u-turn on the government’s green policies.
“I believe in net zero and I want to deliver it,” he tells BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
On Wednesday Sunak announced the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales is being pushed back from 2030 to 2035.
The timeline on replacing gas boilers is being relaxed and a boiler scrappage grant is being increased.
The PM’s announcement has been met with dismay, even amongst some of his fellow Tories.
The head of the independent committee that advises the government on climate targets called Sunak’s speech “wishful thinking.”
The change in car policy was criticised by Ford, but welcomed by Jaguar Land Rover, which called it pragmatic.
The news, which is likely to be unpopular with most of the country, could cost the Conservatives the next general election.
Labour says it will bring back the 2030 ban, with Ed Miliband saying the delay will “add billions in costs to families”.