Labour Looks to Soften Net Zero and EV Targets
The government is looking to row back on some of its net zero targets, and could soften the timetable for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, according to reports. Ministers are said to be weighing a review that cites “affordability challenges” for households. The move would mark a significant shift in the pace of Britain’s transition to electric vehicles.
The reported rethink reflects the political bind the government finds itself in: committed to cutting emissions but wary of the cost to households and businesses at a time of squeezed budgets, and losing ground to Reform UK, which has attacked net zero head-on. Softening the electric-vehicle mandate would please carmakers struggling to meet the quotas and drivers worried about the price of switching, but dismay climate campaigners and parts of Labour. It follows warmer words on North Sea oil and a shift on green targets in public contracts. The direction of travel on climate is becoming a defining argument. Watch what the review recommends and how the green wing of the party reacts.