Sunak’s Green Reversal Raises Net Zero Doubts Among Tories

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak plans to revise green-energy policies while still pursuing the UK’s carbon reduction goal, causing divisions in his Conservative Party and raising uncertainty for companies that have invested in these targets.

Sunak was compelled to release a statement following a BBC report that suggested he would relax important policies, like the timing of the internal combustion car sales ban.  “We are committed to net zero by 2050 and the agreements we have made internationally, but doing so in a better, more proportionate way,” Sunak said, without giving details.

Sunak is reportedly considering delaying the ban on diesel and petrol car sales to 2035 and potentially easing the phasing out of gas boilers. Cabinet members were caught off guard during a call with Sunak, and there are concerns about the potential impact on businesses if the 2030 deadline is pushed back.