PM Sunak Defends Delayed Ban on New Petrol Cars
Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister, kicked off the Conservative Party Conference with a fiery speech, criticizing "extreme" critics of the Net Zero policy. He expressed his determination to continue pursuing his vision despite opposition.
Leadership Stepping Up a Gear
Rishi Sunak addressed the Tory faithful, asserting his leadership and pitching himself as the real change option for the next election. He brushed off calls for immediate tax cuts and compared himself to Margaret Thatcher.
Not Shying Away
Sunak defended his decision to slow down green targets, stating that change might be uncomfortable but it's the right thing for the country. He vowed not to back down due to criticism and expressed his commitment to charting a new course for net zero.
Pressure for Tax Cuts
As calls for tax cuts persisted, the PM resisted, focusing on inflation reduction as the best way to assist households. He cited Margaret Thatcher's approach and emphasized the importance of a strong economy.
Labour's Lead Narrows, But Underdog Status Remains
Rishi Sunak received a boost from recent polls showing a narrowing lead for the Labour Party. However, Tory party chief Greg Hands cautioned that the government would still enter the next election as "the underdogs".
Hands praised Sunak's popularity and criticized Sir Keir Starmer, highlighting the mishandling of Labour-run areas. He also accused Starmer of being inconsistent by showing the audience a pair of flip-flops featuring the Labour leader.
