The UK’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel-powered cars, originally set for 2030, has been pushed back to 2035 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This move aims to reset the UK’s approach to meeting net-zero targets and gain more consumer support. However, it has caused concern and dismay within the automotive industry, which had been investing heavily to meet the earlier 2030 target.
Sunak criticised the lack of debate and scrutiny surrounding net-zero policies and stressed the importance of informing the public about the challenges and sacrifices involved in achieving these goals. He emphasised that consumers should have the choice to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) rather than being forced by government mandates.
