Sunak: Families should not suffer increased bills in green transition
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has warned against implementing "hairshirt" policies that would burden British families in the push for Net Zero. While he emphasized the importance of meeting the Net Zero target by 2050 for economic growth and job creation, he urged for a practical and proportionate approach that takes into account the impact on households. Sunak made his comments during the G20 summit in New Delhi.
Backtracking on unpopular policies
In response to the outcry from struggling Brits, Sunak has recently axed several green policies. He scrapped plans to introduce hydrogen levies on energy bills, criticized the expansion of the Ulez anti-driver charge in London, and put an end to the barmy EU eco rules that hampered new housing development. However, he is facing pressure from his own party to go even further.
MPs divided over green commitments
While some MPs are calling for a delay to the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and the scrapping of the plan to ban gas boilers in new builds by 2025, others are warning Sunak not to abandon green policies. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat stressed the importance of maintaining green initiatives, and former cabinet minister Damian Green argued that reneging on the commitment to Net Zero by 2050 would be a mistake.
PM's controversial decisions
Despite his tough stance on green policies, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced backlash for allocating a record £1.6 billion in international climate change aid at the India summit. He has also defended providing millions in aid to wealthier nations like India, stating that it supports British businesses.
