Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled new plans to accelerate the UK’s path to Net Zero by extending the deadline for a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles to 2035. In a press conference held in Downing Street, Sunak acknowledged the need for change and pledged to be honest and transparent in his approach. The decision to allow second-hand sales of fossil fuel cars after the ban aligns the UK with other EU countries and some US states. Sunak also emphasized the importance of gaining the consent of the public and minimizing the impact on families in the transition to Net Zero.
To make the transition more affordable for households, Sunak announced extended timelines for installing heat pumps. Instead of requiring immediate conversion, households will only need to switch to heat pumps when changing their boilers, and this change will not be mandatory until 2035. He also introduced measures to exempt certain households from the transition and increased the boiler upgrade scheme to £7,500, with no repayment obligations.
Sunak further emphasized the need for a realistic and pragmatic approach to achieving Net Zero, rejecting previous proposals such as compulsory taxes on flying and meat consumption. He stressed the importance of transparent discussions within Westminster before imposing significant policy changes on citizens’ lives.
The Prime Minister’s commitment to changing the way politics works and making decisions based on long-term benefits was also highlighted. Sunak emphasized the importance of consent, honesty, and a focus on innovation, job creation, and protecting nature in the transition to a greener future.
However, the announcement was met with criticism. London Mayor Sadiq Khan suggested that the decision to extend the deadline may have been influenced by recent by-election results, while Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle expressed dissatisfaction with Sunak’s decision to hold a press conference instead of addressing MPs in the House of Commons.
Overall, Sunak’s plans aim to accelerate the transition to Net Zero while minimizing the impact on households and ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.