Ban on petrol and diesel cars is ‘immovable’ despite pleas of MPs, says Gove

Michael Gove says car ban is “immovable” Michael Gove has insisted the 2030 deadline to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is ‘immovable’. The Levelling Up Secretary has confirmed the ‘policy remains’ despite calls from Conservative Party right-wingers to ditch the pledge. Asked yesterday if it was ‘immovable’, he replied: ‘Yes.’ Mr Gove said: ‘We’re committed to maintaining our policy of ensuring that by 2030 there are no new petrol and diesel cars being sold. I’m sure there are some people who would like to change that policy, I understand. But that policy remains.’ Rishi Sunak on Monday cast doubt on the green commitment over concerns it would heap costs on families amid the cost-of-living crisis. The Prime Minister was said to be considering watering down some net-zero policies to take a ‘proportionate and pragmatic’ approach to the environment. Sunak warned against heaping ‘hassle’ to families The Government has a goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Mr Sunak declined in an interview to recommit to the ban on the sale of new fossil-fuel cars by the end of the decade so as to reduce emissions. The PM warned against heaping ‘hassle’ or extra fees on to families. Mr Gove said he was looking at how ministers can ‘ease off’ the pressure on landlords to ensure all private rented housing meets grade C level of energy efficiency requirements in 2028. He said the phasing out of gas boilers for heat pumps would ‘impose costs’, adding: ‘We’re looking at how we can mitigate the impact on individuals. I think we are asking a little too much of them and therefore we will give them a greater degree of breathing space.’ Some Tories, including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, have been calling for delays to climate pledges following the Conservatives’ narrow win at the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election last week. Labour’s Mayor Sadiq Khan to expand ULEZ scheme SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info