A big policy shift on net zero promises is due later this afternoon when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds a surprise press conference at which he is likely to water down key green targets on cars and boilers because of the huge costs involved.
Westminster is buzzing with rumours that the PM has been pushed into holding the press meeting because of leaks coming either from one of his own Tory ministers or a civil servant looking to destabilise the government’s plans.
The leaks – which started circulating last night – are certainly causing something of a rumpus, both within and outside of the Conservative party. Tory peer Zac Goldsmith – who quit as environment minister in June over green policy – has called for a general election following reports that the government is about to delay some of its 2030 net-zero targets.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lord Goldsmith wrote that he had received “hundreds of messages from Conservative friends telling me this move by the PM vindicates my decision to noisily resign”.
“We need an election. Now,” he concludes.
Although the PM is expected to say he is still committed to reaching net zero by 2050, he is likely to push the 2030 ban on sales of petrol and diesel cars to 2035 because of the huge costs involved, the lack of EV charging points and the need for even more electricity capacity that will be required to power these vehicles.
A similar extension is expected for the installation of new heat pumps, a move which has caused such an outcry because they are expensive to fit and run.
The PM’s about-turn puts Labour in a delicious quandary. Sunak will explain that the reason he is shifting policy is because of the vast costs to householders – and taxpayers – involved in reaching net zero. Some put the costs as high as £1 trillion, something which the country cannot afford in the present crisis.
Which means that Labour’s Keir Starmer – who has also made 2030 his party’s deadline – will have to explain why such moves will not hit the car driver or the homeowner who needs to change his or her cars or heating system. Whatever your take on Sunak’s policy shift, he’s making it much tougher for Starmer to defend his position.
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