I nearly spat out my coffee yesterday when I heard Starmer's big "solution" to our car industry crisis. Five more years of hybrids? That's the best he could do? Meanwhile, Trump's over there slapping 25% tariffs on anything with wheels and a Union Jack, and our PM thinks a few tweaks will save thousands of manufacturing jobs.
God. Sometimes I wonder if these people have ever actually spoken to someone who works in the auto industry.
Let me break down this mess for you, because teh devil is truly in the details here (and I've spent way too many hours reading the fine print).
The West Midlands Speech That Left Everyone Cold
So there's Keir, standing at a podium with "Securing Our Future" plastered across it like some corporate motivational poster. He announces £2.3bn to help the EV transition and acts like he's just solved climate change. My mate who works at Vauxhall texted me immediately: "We're still screwed."
And he's right.
The industry response was basically a polite version of "thanks for nothing." Stellantis UK's chief (they own Vauxhall) said they need more to stimulate demand. Ford's UK boss called it a "small step" when they needed a "giant leap." Translation: this ain't gonna cut it, mate.
I spent $230 on charging my EV last month. That's with government subsidies. Imagine what happens when those dry up.
What the hell is a ZEV mandate anyway?
Back in 2022, when I was writing about the original EV transition plan, the government introduced this Zero Emission Vehicle mandate thing. It required 28% of all new cars sold this year to be electric, rising until we hit 100% by 2030.
Under Starmer's "revolutionary" new approach, car companies can now borrow credits from future years to avoid fines. It's like telling your bank you'll definitely pay your mortgage... someday. Just not right now.
And speaking of fines...
£12,000 Instead of £15,000 - Wow, Thanks For Nothing
The original plan would've fined manufacturers £15K for every petrol or diesel car that didn't meet targets. Now it's £12K. I'm sure the multi-billion pound auto industry is breathing a collective sigh of relief over that £3K discount.
Listen. I've been covering the auto industry since 2018, and I've never seen such a half-hearted attempt at solving a genuine crisis. My editor bet me £50 I couldn't write this piece without using the word "pathetic." I feel stupid now.
Your Beloved Prius Gets a Stay of Execution
The one bit of genuinely good news (if you're not ready to go full electric) is that hybrids will stay around until 2035 instead of being banned in 2030.
This means popular models like the Toyota Prius adn that Nissan e-Power thing can still be sold. Which is great if you're one of those people who likes the idea of being green but also wants the security of a petrol engine for those trips to visit your in-laws in Scotland.
I drove a Prius for three years. It was like being in a washing machine on wheels.
Fancy Cars for Rich People? No Problem!
Oh, and if you're worried about Aston Martin and McLaren... don't be! They get a special exemption because they're "low-volume manufacturers." How convenient that the cars driven exclusively by the wealthy get special treatment.
My neighbor just dropped £180K on an Aston last summer. His response when I mentioned the 2030 ban: "By then I'll have moved to Monaco anyway." Poor guy only has three other cars to fall back on.
White Van Warriors Get a Reprieve
If you're a tradesperson or delivery driver, you've got until 2035 before you need to go electric. No new tech requirements will be imposed until then.
From 2030 to 2035, van makers just need to ensure their average CO2 emissions don't get worse than 2021 levels. Which is... something, I guess?
But here's what nobody's talking about: with Trump's 25% tariffs now in place, our car exports are about to fall off a cliff. I talked to three industry analysts yesterday who all said the same thing – we're looking at potential factory closures within 18 months if something dramatic doesn't change.
So while Keir fiddles with mandate percentages, Rome is quite literally burning.
I'll be back next week with more cheerful news from the world of British manufacturing... or maybe I'll just cover the latest celebrity divorces instead. At least those have happy endings for someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the judiciary in politics?
The judiciary interprets and applies the law, ensuring justice and upholding the constitution. It serves as a check on the powers of the legislative and executive branches, protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law.
What is the role of a politician?
A politician is an individual who is actively involved in politics, typically as a member of a political party or a government. Their primary role includes representing the interests of their constituents, making decisions on public policy, and contributing to the legislative process.
How does international politics affect domestic policy?
International politics can significantly influence domestic policy through trade agreements, foreign aid, and security alliances. Governments must balance international relations with the needs and interests of their citizens, often leading to complex policy decisions.
How does the legislative process work?
The legislative process typically involves several stages, including proposal, debate, amendment, and voting. A bill must be approved by both houses of the legislature before being sent to the head of state for approval or veto.
What are the implications of gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering involves manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group. This practice can undermine the democratic process by diluting the voting power of certain populations and skewing representation.
What is the significance of public opinion in politics?
Public opinion reflects the attitudes and beliefs of the populace regarding political issues and leaders. It can shape policy decisions, influence electoral outcomes, and motivate politicians to respond to the needs and concerns of their constituents.
What is voter suppression?
Voter suppression refers to tactics used to discourage or prevent specific groups of people from voting. These tactics can include strict ID laws, limited access to polling places, and misinformation about voting procedures.
Statistics
- Polling data indicates that over 50% of Americans support the idea of ranked-choice voting as a method to improve electoral fairness.
- As of 2023, public trust in government institutions has declined, with only 20% of citizens expressing confidence in their national governments.
- Studies show that political polarization has increased significantly, with 80% of individuals stating they have little to no contact with those of opposing political views.
- In 2022, over 30 countries experienced significant protests related to political issues, highlighting a global trend of civil unrest and demands for accountability.
- Research indicates that around 80% of individuals in democracies feel that their government does not adequately represent their interests.
- In many countries, political parties receive about 60% of their funding from private donations, raising concerns about transparency and influence.
- According to recent studies, around 75% of Americans believe that campaign financing significantly impacts election outcomes.
- Surveys show that nearly 70% of voters prioritize environmental issues when selecting candidates for public office.
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Reaching out to your elected officials is an effective way to express your opinions and influence policy. Begin by identifying your representatives at the local, state, and federal levels through official government websites. Draft a clear, concise message outlining your concerns or suggestions, and specify any relevant legislation. You can contact them via email, phone, or by attending public meetings. Personalizing your communication often yields better responses, so share your story or local context to illustrate your point. Follow up if necessary to ensure your voice is heard.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/politics/trumps-birthday-bash-100m-military-parade-plan-has-dc-officials-rolling-their-eyes
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