Rishi Sunak Faces Backlash Over Delayed Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars
In a surprising move, UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a five-year delay in the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. The ban, which was previously set for 2030, will now be implemented in 2035. Sunak stated that the government must avoid imposing “unacceptable costs” on British families and businesses in their efforts to reduce emissions and achieve net zero by 2050.
The decision has drawn fierce criticism from opposition parties, environmental activists, and industry leaders. Shadow environment secretary Steve Reed argued that without the ban, the UK would miss its net zero target and lose out on the economic opportunities of the green economy. Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf called the move “utterly unforgivable” and accused the UK of going against the global consensus on climate action.
Sunak’s own party has also been divided over the decision, with some Conservative MPs supporting the new direction. The Chancellor’s move is seen as an attempt to create a clear distinction between the government and opposition parties ahead of an anticipated general election next year. By framing the changes as “pragmatic and proportionate”, Sunak aims to appeal to voters who may believe that moving too fast on green policies could have negative consequences.
In addition to the delay in the ban on petrol and diesel cars, Sunak also announced a nine-year delay in the ban on new fossil fuel heating for off-gas-grid homes, raising the Boiler Upgrade Grant by 50% to £7,500, and scrapping the requirement for rental properties to have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate grade. These changes have further intensified the debate surrounding the government’s approach to environmental issues.
Industry reactions have been mixed, with Kia, a major carmaker, expressing disappointment over the altered supply chain negotiations and potential confusion. Energy company E.On’s CEO, Chris Norbury, criticized the move as a “misstep” and argued against the notion that green policies can only come at a cost. Toyota, however, described the changes as “pragmatic”.
The announcement from Sunak suggests that more decisions on long-term policies will be made later this autumn. However, critics argue that the delay in implementing stricter measures will make it harder for the UK to meet its legally binding climate goals. According to Chris Stark, CEO of the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee, the country was already not on track to meet its 2030 emissions targets even before these changes were announced.
The international response to the UK’s decision has been one of concern. Former US Vice President Al Gore labeled it a “turn back in the wrong direction,” while Alok Sharma, former Conservative minister and chair of the COP26 climate summit, expressed worry that other countries might follow suit. Chris Mason of the BBC suggests that Sunak’s speech signals a gamble by the Prime Minister, who is responding to the Labour Party’s lead in opinion polls and seeking to differentiate the government’s approach.