BARMY proposals to ban hybrid cars by 2030 risks hammering Britain’s car industry, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has warned the Cabinet.
The Climate Change Committee – who advise the government – urged No10 to phase out the cars five years earlier than previously planned.
Car on the production line
But industry insiders and politicians warned this would cause car plants to close and could cost us thousands of good British jobs.
Last year, Toyota privately warned it would end its UK car production if hybrids were banned in 2030, with the loss of up to 3,000 jobs.
HOAR on Sunday understands that Ms Badenoch has raised the issue with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
Tory MP Craig Mackinlay said: “The UK’s uniquely stupid net zero policies is likely to lead to the loss of our proud car industry by the end of the decade.”
Tory MP Mark Jenkinson said: “This barmy idea to ban hybrids by 2030 risks being the nail in the coffin of our car industry – costing Britain thousands of good manufacturing jobs.
“We have some of the best car factories in the world producing hybrid cars – we must not do anything that puts them at risk.”
Des Quinn, the lead for the car industry at the Unite trade union which represents Toyota workers, said: “This would be a terribly short sighted decision which would severally damage the Uk automotive industry and risk jobs.
“It would in no way create a just transition to a green economy”.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “Vehicle manufacturers and supply chains play a vital role in the transition to cleaner vehicles, and their concerns and thoughts are being listened to.
“We recently consulted on our proposed Zero Emission Vehicle mandate approach, to understand the views of stakeholders on this important issue. We are analysing responses and will publish a response shortly.”
