DEVELOPMENT Minister Andrew Mitchell today refused to confirm whether a ban on new petrol and diesel car sales in 2030 will definitely go ahead.
Plans to impose the controversial policy have been in place for three years.
The sale of new petrol and diesel cars are set to be banned from 2030
But today Development Minister Andrew Mitchell refused to rule out a u-turn on the policy
They form part of Rishi Sunak’s mission to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
But this morning Development Minister Andrew Mitchell caused mass confusion as he refused to definitively say whether the ban will still go ahead.
When asked about the policy on Times Radio, Mr Mitchell responded: “I think the important thing is to wait for any announcement from the Government.”
Minutes later the Minister told Radio 4: “All I can tell you is it’s still in place.”
He then added: “I’m afraid I can’t prophesy for the future.
“I’m saying that it is in place and it remains in place.”
The government is undergoing a major re-think of its green policies following last week’s by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
In West London the Tories scraped victory because of huge local resentment towards Sadiq Khan’s Ulez expansion.
As the PM faces dire polls, party strategists believe softening green rules set to cost hard-up households a pretty penny could improve Tory ratings ahead of the next general election.
The 2030 petrol and diesel car ban is said to be up for discussion.
So too are low traffic neighbourhoods and the green levies attached to energy bills.
However, Mr Sunak still wants to stick by the wider goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Meanwhile, in Labour a major row has erupted over green policies.
Leader Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Angela Rayner both admitted Ulez played a significant part in the party losing Uxbridge.
But the London Mayor is determined for the expansion to go ahead.
