The Standard

What now for Sunak’s weakened net zero climate plan?

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Episode notes

Rishi Sunak is to weaken some of the government’s key green commitments in a major policy shift.

The Prime Minister reckons it’s possible to meet 2050 net zero carbon emissions goals but in a “more proportionate way”.

With an eye on a general election expected next year, Sunak risks triggering a feud with Conservative party members who are progressive on green issues.

His speech on Tuesday was pushed forward after a leak to the BBC suggested major u-turn include delaying a ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars by five years, and the phasing out of gas boilers.

While the government’s 2030 target for banning new internal combustion engine cars could also reportedly be pushed back by half a decade.

The Leader podcast’s joined by Luke Murphy, associate director for energy and climate at the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank.

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