UK government faces pressure to maintain electric vehicle sales goals

The climate and nature crisis caucus (CNCC) warns against weakening the legal requirement that car manufacturers ensure 80% of vehicles sold by 2030 are electric. They believe any reduction would be a detrimental and “shortsighted” move.

Louise Haigh, acting as deputy prime minister in place of Andy Burnham who recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest, is scheduled to meet with the energy, business, and transport secretaries to discuss potential changes to the target. The meeting, originally planned for Wednesday, has been postponed.

Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, is advocating for a reduction to 50%, while Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, suggests a cut to approximately 60%. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy secretary, is pushing to maintain the target as close to 80% as possible. Sources indicate Haigh is likely to propose a compromise between 60% and 65%.

A final decision is expected later this month, and Labour MPs are intensifying their efforts to prevent any reduction, which many view as indicative of the government’s broader environmental policy.

Chris Hinchliff, chair of the CCNC, wrote to Alexander on Tuesday, stating that lowering the 2030 target would be a “step backwards.” He added, “This would undermine the government’s wider net zero ambitions and our credibility as a climate leader on the world stage.” He also argued that a change would hinder Andy Burnham’s efforts to reindustrialize Britain.

Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, emphasized the need for more ambitious targets, warning that fluctuating commitments would damage public trust. Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, highlighted the significant environmental consequences and potential impact on the cost of living if the policy were weakened.

While some Labour MPs representing industrial constituencies support reducing the target, citing the need to protect jobs and investment, others express concern that such decisions, alongside approvals like the Jackdaw gasfield, are damaging the government’s environmental image and potentially benefiting the Green party. One MP commented, “Climate is not something that seems to be close to Andy’s heart.”

The Department for Transport has been contacted for comment.