Reports indicate that the government may announce cuts to its electric vehicle sales targets this week, a move likely to face opposition from climate campaigners. Under existing plans, around 80% of new cars sold by 2030 must be electric, but proposals being discussed by ministers could reduce this by 20%. The 2035 target for 100% of new car and van sales to be zero-emission is not expected to change.
Decision Expected at Downing Street Meeting
Louise Haigh, deputy to Andy Burnham, is set to finalise the plan at a meeting in Downing Street on Wednesday, according to the Guardian. The Prime Minister has recused himself from decisions on electric car sales due to his wife Marie-France van Heel's ties with the industry through her work.
A government spokesperson told The Mirror: "The Government is united in its commitment to the ZEV Mandate, and no decisions have been taken. We are committed to the phase out of all new cars relying solely on petrol and diesel engines by 2030, and to 100% of new car and van sales being zero emission by 2035, and our legally binding net zero targets. Our consultation on the mandate will not change this, and will ensure we are taking a pragmatic and balanced approach to the ZEV transition."
Review of EV Mandate Launched in Summer
The news follows the government's launch of a review of the EV mandate in the summer. At the time, they said: "In the context of challenging and complex global economic conditions, including supply chain disruption and tariff and trade uncertainty, the UK is reviewing targets to ensure they remain pro-business and grounded in the real world."
Paul McNamee, director of the Labour Climate and Environment Forum, told the Guardian: "Significant weakening of the ZEV mandate from the current 80% targets will be seen as a rowing back on climate leadership. If the government does this, it must provide assurance that the mandate will not be weakened again in the coming years, the 2035 target for EVs remains in place, and it delivers a robust industrial strategy to build a strong EV manufacturing base in the UK that will protect jobs in the long term."
Ministers Insist No Decision Made
Health minister Karin Smyth insisted no decision had been made during a series of interviews on Monday. Appearing on BBC Breakfast, she was asked whether climate change was no longer a big priority. She replied: "No, we are committed to our emissions targets and climate change is important to this government, obviously. The reports you are talking about this morning - the government hasn't made any decisions."
Asked whether it would be embarrassing for Andy Burnham to head to the Cop climate change summit in Antalya, Turkey, later this week after watering down EV targets at home, she added: "Well as I said no particular decision has been made on those targets. When he goes to Cop this country is doing great work in terms of our transition, looking at renewables, that's a key part of growth. I'm sure the Prime Minister will have a good story to tell working with our partners across the world in Cop."
