Summary: In a significant turn of events, Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced a major climbdown on the UK’s climate change agenda to relieve the financial burden on hard-pressed families. This comes as a victory for The Sun’s Give Us A Brake campaign, as the proposed ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 is expected to be delayed by five years. Furthermore, the phasing out of gas boilers will likely be softened to prevent expensive eco upgrades for households. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, acknowledged that previous governments had not been truthful about the costs and trade-offs of pursuing green policies and pledged to adopt a more proportionate approach. Tory MPs have welcomed this reconsideration, stating that it is positive news for British citizens already struggling with the cost of living.
The decision to delay the ban on petrol and diesel car sales has been prompted by concerns that it would lead to increased carbon emissions, as consumers may import cars from other countries. Similarly, the full elimination of gas boilers by 2035 will be revised to aim for an 80% reduction instead. Additionally, proposed energy efficiency regulations for homes will be scrapped, and the ban on off-grid boilers will also be postponed.
Rishi Sunak is expected to highlight Britain’s progress in combating climate change while criticizing countries that have been slow to act on emissions reduction. The Chancellor’s speech will outline the need for change, emphasizing that the long-term interests of the country should take precedence over short-term political gains.
It is important to note that the government remains committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, even though some of the environmental pledges are being scaled back. The decision to revise these goals reflects concerns about the impact on the economy, industry, and individual households. By adopting a more pragmatic approach, the government aims to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and the financial well-being of the nation.
Sources: The Sun, BBC