Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has vowed to reject pleas from climate organisations to impose meat taxes and seven bins on British households. Speaking on Radio 4, Sunak promised to prioritize the lifestyle preferences and needs of families over the suggestions made by advisory boards. The UK's independent Climate Change Committee has proposed an "accelerated shift" away from meat and dairy in diets, as well as implementing "ride sharing solutions" and forcing households to use seven different bins. Sunak emphasized that while these suggestions have come from credible sources, the government must consider the substantial changes already announced, including the transition to electric vehicles and greener heating methods.
PM Delays Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars
In a major speech yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the ban on new petrol and diesel cars will be delayed by five years until 2035. The deadline to replace boilers with £10,000 heat pumps will also be postponed. The PM reassured the public that the commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 remains the same, but the government aims to do so without imposing burdens on low-income families. The PM stated that this decision is in the long-term interest of the country and seeks to build a better future for children.
Support and Criticism for PM's Announcement
Following the announcement, numerous Conservative MPs expressed their support for the PM's decision. However, some prominent figures such as ex-PM Boris Johnson and former Cop26 President Alok Sharma criticized the move. Zac Goldsmith, a failed Tory London mayoral candidate, called for an election in response. Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch defended the decision, highlighting the positive views of many Conservative MPs and emphasizing the importance of making decisions based on facts, including rising energy costs and changing global supply chains.
