Keir Starmer has been accused of risking the decimation of the UK car industry amid growing pressure to revise petrol and diesel car ban targets. Union leaders warn that the current Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate rules are contributing to job losses in the automotive sector.
Union Chief Warns of Job Losses
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, stressed that the ZEV Mandate is directly linked to declining employment in Britain's automotive industry. She stated: "The current ZEV mandate is significantly contributing to the loss of automotive jobs in Britain. This is a clear fact. The targets must be radically reduced."
Graham added: "The automotive industry is a jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing, on which thousands of jobs depend. If the Government sits on its hands, it will be responsible for the decimation of the automotive industry."
Current ZEV Targets Under Fire
The ZEV Mandate requires at least 33% of production to be electric models by the end of 2026, with an 80% target by 2030. However, demand for electric vehicles is reportedly falling behind supply, prompting fears of a market imbalance. The UK government is now expected to consider watering down these targets following intense lobbying from manufacturers and union chiefs.
Industry Divided Over EV Transition
While some advocate for relaxed targets, electric car experts warn that changing course could jeopardise investment and jobs. Robin Heap, CEO of EV charge point operator Zest, cautioned: "The UK has attracted significant private investment into EV charging because the direction of travel has been clear and consistent. Stable policy attracts capital; uncertainty delays it."
Heap added: "Electrification is the future of transport. If the UK wants to remain competitive and continue attracting investment and jobs, it needs to provide businesses with confidence in the long-term transition rather than revisiting it every year."
The government is reportedly considering allowing hybrid vehicles to constitute a larger share of sales, which could ease the transition but may also slow the shift to fully electric models.
