PM Rishi Sunak sensationally delays 2030 ICE ban

On Wednesday 20th September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a flurry of U-turns on a number of highly ambitious climate policies. Most notable of these was a five-year delay to the widely supported and eagerly anticipated 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car and van sales.

Suggesting that the decision had been made to help working families avoid unnecessary costs, the cynical clear-out of climate policies has already seen intense criticism from environmental groups and the automotive supply chain alike. While Sunak suggested that he had every confidence in the fact that the UK was still on track to hit its 2050 net zero target, it’s fair to say that this move puts into real question the government’s commitment to embracing hard-hitting green measures.

Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, commented: “Postponing the UK’s 2030 date for phasing out new petrol and diesel car and van sales – which of course has always permitted some forms of hybrids to continue to be sold – is not good news for anyone. It weakens confidence in UK investment. Vehicle manufacturers don’t like it. Those of us who are working to decarbonise homes and transport don’t like it. And families that cannot afford a new car won’t like it, because they may have to wait even longer to buy a cleaner and cheaper-to-run electric car in the used market.

“If we’re serious about net zero, intent on decarbonisation and really committed to hitting our targets, we need to make big, bold, brave decisions – and stick to them! I’m sorry, Prime Minister, but this simply isn’t good enough!”