LONDON: The UK seemed ready to revise its strategies aimed at reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expected to moderate certain aspects of the government’s environmental pledges.
This move comes in light of growing apprehension about the potential financial burdens associated with the government’s efforts to attain net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century.
With a general election anticipated for next year and Sunak’s Conservative Party trailing behind the Labour opposition in the polls, concerns have escalated due to a cost-of-living crisis characterized by soaring food and housing expenses.
Later on Wednesday, Sunak is scheduled to deliver a speech at Downing Street. As per reports from British media outlets, the Prime Minister intends to scale back plans to phase out gas boilers by 2035 and postpone the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, originally set for 2030.
UK Commitment to Net-zero Emissions Target
In a statement released late Tuesday, Sunak affirmed the government’s commitment to the net-zero target but expressed a desire to pursue it “in a more balanced and proportionate manner.”
The Conservative Party’s narrow victory in a west London by-election in July, largely attributed to a campaign against the expansion of a vehicle pollution toll zone by Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan, triggered calls within the party to reconsider climate commitments.
Sunak contended that politicians from various parties had not been forthright about costs and trade-offs and pledged to prioritize the country’s long-term interests over immediate political needs.
Interior Minister Suella Braverman stated on Wednesday morning during an interview with Sky News, “We’re not going to save the planet by bankrupting the British people.”
