Kemi Badenoch demands removal of 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars
Kemi Badenoch has called for the repeal of the planned 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles during a visit to Brands Hatch, where she took a turn behind the wheel of a Formula 4 car. The leader of the Conservative Party has argued that the ban should be abandoned, alongside proposed quotas for electric vehicles, to protect the UK’s automotive sector, reports BritPanorama.
Her comments follow concerns regarding the ban’s potential impact on the industry, which Badenoch claims is already experiencing a “disastrous effect” from Labour’s commitment to achieving Net Zero. In recent years, the ban has undergone significant adjustments; it was initially set to start in 2030 but saw a five-year delay before Labour reinstated the original timeline.
As the government solidifies its stance, Downing Street has reiterated its commitment to phasing out all new non-zero emission car and van sales by 2035, stating that there will be no policy changes. In contrast, the European Union is reportedly reconsidering its own plans to ban combustion engines, following lobbying from member states such as Germany and Italy.
Manfred Weber, leader of the European Parliament’s largest political group, has suggested that the closure of the combustion engine chapter is imminent, indicating a shift in the EU’s trajectory. This contrasts sharply with the UK’s steadfast position, as some industry experts warn that isolating the UK automotive market could present substantial challenges, given its close ties to European car manufacturing.
This situation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding environmental policy and economic viability within the automotive sector, as discussions continue over the future of vehicle emissions regulations in both the UK and Europe.
The unfolding dynamics highlight the complexities of transitioning to sustainable transport while balancing industry concerns, and the outcomes could have significant ramifications for the UK’s economic landscape moving forward.
