Polanski says Labour has ‘shocking record’ on climate issues as ministers expected to cut EV targets for car industry – UK politics live
Possible changes to EV targets
Louise Haigh is expected to agree to a cut of about a quarter in the target for electric vehicle sales. The 2035 end goal is likely to stay in place.
A consultation that closed on Friday considered reducing the 2030 target to 70% of new cars, or potentially 50%. The proposed change follows earlier adjustments that allowed more hybrid car sales.
Emissions and cost concerns
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said the changes could produce emissions exceeding those from burning all the gas in the Jackdaw field. A reduction to 50% EV sales by 2030 could add 147 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, around 58% of the likely emissions from burning oil from the Rosebank field.
ECIU analyst Jess Ralston said weaker targets would not resolve manufacturers’ difficulties, as they face stronger competition from China and more consumers choose EVs. She also said the public could lose out: electric cars can cost £1,750 less per year to run, with possible further savings as oil prices rise.
Polanski criticises climate policy
Polanski described Labour’s record on climate issues as shocking and criticised the government for easing rules and supporting fossil fuel extraction. He argued that the shift to electric vehicles is the government’s largest decarbonisation policy.
His criticism cited a summer of heat deaths and scientists’ prediction that 2026 will be the hottest year ever. He also said cutting EV targets ahead of COP31 would suggest the UK was no longer serious about climate action.
Key points
- The 2035 goal is likely to remain, but the 2030 EV target could fall to 70% or 50%.
- The ECIU estimates a 50% target could add 147 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
- Jess Ralston said weaker targets would not solve manufacturers’ problems and could deny drivers potential savings.
- Polanski condemned Labour’s climate record and warned that lower targets could undermine the UK’s climate commitment.