What's all this about a U-turn, Prime Minister?
You either die a hero, or be in power long enough to butcher net zero - isn’t that what Batman said?
You either die a hero, or be in power long enough to butcher net zero - isn’t that what Batman said? What we do know, however, is that the government is considering changing its plans for achieving net zero emissions. These changes include moving the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030 to 2035, phasing out 80% of new gas boilers by 2035, and delaying the ban on off-grid oil boilers to 2035.
There could be new energy efficiency rules for landlords or homeowners, though I doubt it will favour a green transition, no new taxes to discourage flying, no policies to encourage carpooling, and no implementation of the long-delayed "seven bin" recycling schemes.
While Downing Street has not denied these changes, they haven’t confirmed them either. The government released a statement late last night that was out of character and left much to be desired. Another statement is expected at 16:30 today (stay tuned).
Zac Goldsmith posted about the debacle on X this afternoon after resigning as an energy minister in June. In the post, he called for a general election. Not now, Zac, not now.
But anything is possible as Boris Johnson has come out of the woodwork to voice his concerns:
Business must have certainty about our net zero commitments.
This country leads on tackling climate change and in creating new green technology. The green industrial revolution is already generating huge numbers of high quality jobs and helping to drive growth and level up our country.
Business and industry – such as motor manufacturing – are rightly making vast investments in these new technologies.
It is those investments that will produce a low carbon future – at lower costs for British families.
It is crucial that we give those businesses confidence that government is still committed to net zero and can see the way ahead.
We cannot afford to falter now or in any way lose our ambition for this country.
More predictably, Lord Deben, ex-chair of the Climate Change committee, has said that Sunak's U-turn has the potential to be challenged in court. And if the past is anything to live by, I don't think the government would fare well.
Big business has also criticised the move. Chris Norbury, the chief executive of E.ON UK, disapproves of the backtrack, and Ford released a statement earlier today explaining that an extension to the ban on new petrol and diesel cars would plunge them into economic disarray.
It is important to note that any policy changes are (technically) speculation - but pretty damning speculation.
More reaction in Westminster:
Think tank E3G warns that these changes could lead to higher energy bills and catastrophic economic damage.
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit believes that the number of U-turns indicates chaos within the government.
Former BEIS head of energy strategy Adam Bell suggests that these changes could face legal challenges due to the limited room to meet carbon budgets.
Green MP Caroline Lucas describes these potential changes as economically illiterate and environmental vandalism.
Liberal Democrat Climate and Energy spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said that Rishi Sunak is an expert at sinking his own ship.