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Rishi Sunak hints at a green tax climbdown – insisting Net Zero must not bring ‘more costs’ to Brits
RISHI Sunak today hinted at a major green tax climbdown, insisting Net Zero must not “unnecessarily give people more hassle and more costs in their lives”.
The comments came amid day of mixed messages over whether a ban on new petrol and diesel car sales could be pushed back from 2030.
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Plans to impose the controversial policy have been in place for three years and form a major part of the PM's mission to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
But now they're believed to be under discussion in No10.
Asked if he backed the ban, Mr Sunak would only say "of course net zero is important to me” and going carbon neutral must be "proportionate and pragmatic”.
Visiting a new housing development in the West Midlands, the PM added: "I'm standing up for the British people because I'm also cognisant that we're living through a time at the moment where inflation is high.
"That's having an impact on household and families' bills. I don't want to add that, I want to make it easier."
A Downing Street spokesperson said the ban "remains our commitment".
But added: "What we want to do is ensure that this approach is proportionate and pragmatic and doesn't unfairly impact the public."
Hours earlier Development Minister Andrew Mitchell caused mass confusion as he refused to definitively confirm the ban is staying.
Asked about the policy on Times Radio, Mr Mitchell responded: "I think the important thing is to wait for any announcement from the Government."
Minutes later he told Radio 4: "All I can tell you is it's still in place."
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He then added: "I'm afraid I can't prophesy for the future.
"I'm saying that it is in place and it remains in place."
The government is undergoing a major re-think of its green policies following last week's by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
In West London the Tories scraped victory because of huge local resentment towards Sadiq Khan's Ulez expansion.
As the PM faces dire polls, party strategists believe softening green rules set to cost hard-up households a pretty penny could improve Tory ratings ahead of the next general election.
The 2030 petrol and diesel car ban is said to be up for discussion.
So too are low traffic neighbourhoods and the green levies attached to energy bills.
However, Mr Sunak still wants to stick by the wider goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Meanwhile, in Labour a major row has erupted over green policies.
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Leader Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Angela Rayner both admitted Ulez played a significant part in the party losing Uxbridge.
But the London Mayor is determined for the expansion to go ahead.
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