UK Government pushes back the ban on sale of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035

Rishi Sunak has today (20/09/2023) confirmed that the UK Government has pushed back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK from 2030 to 2035, stating that by 2030 “the vast majority” of cars will be electric, because of improving technology.

The UK government, which also announced a new exemption for the poorest households so they will never need to switch, say that they remain committed to net zero by 2050, with Rishi Sunak stating that want to “bring people with us”.

Car maker Ford had already stated this morning that moving the date would undermine business certainty whilst conservative MP Chris Skidmore said that this push back would be the prime ministers “greatest mistake”.

The aim of net zero is for the UK to take out of the atmosphere as many greenhouse gas emissions as it puts in.

Will other countries on the back of this announcement, change their policy?

As reported yesterday, Germany is still pushing to hit their of generating 80% of their power from renewable sources by 2030.

The pressure to become net-zero is huge but it does come at a huge cost to the country.

Another key area of the policy change was also giving the country more time and more help to transition from gas boilers to heat pumps as the primary source of heating. Cash grants will now be made available and increased by 50% to £7,500.