UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced revisions to the country’s net-zero policies, including a five-year delay in the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, shifting it from 2030 to 2035. The rationale behind the changes is to establish a pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while reducing costs for British families.
The revised net-zero policies include:
- Delaying the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2035.
- Pushing back the ban on installing oil and LPG boilers and new coal heating for off-gas-grid homes to 2035 (instead of phasing them out from 2026).
- Introducing an exemption to the phase-out of fossil fuel boilers, including gas, in 2035.
- Removing policies that would compel landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties.
- Increasing the Boiler Upgrade Grant by 50% to £7,500.
Sunak argued that the UK has already made substantial progress toward its net-zero goals and that the country has “over-delivered” on its commitments. The UK aims to reduce carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with a specific target of 77% by 2035. The Prime Minister believes that these targets can be met without imposing excessive costs on British households.
Industry reactions to the revised policies have been mixed. Lisa Brankin, Ford UK Chair, expressed concerns about relaxing climate change policies and emphasized the need for ambition, commitment, and consistency from the government. Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), called for incentives and infrastructure support to boost electric vehicle adoption.
However, Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover welcomed the clarity provided by the announcement. Comprehensive reforms related to UK net-zero initiatives will be developed by the Chancellor and Energy Security Secretary in due course.
