Sunak planning to drop net zero policies in pre-election challenge to Labour
The Guardian Rishi Sunak is planning to row back on some of the governments net zero policies that impose a direct cost on consumers as the Conservatives attempt to create a dividing line with Labour before the next election.
The Guardian understands that the move, expected to be announced in a major speech this Friday, could include delaying a ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars and the phasing out of gas boilers.
The prime minister is expected to drop plans for new energy efficiency targets for private rented homes after ministers considered imposing fines on landlords who failed to upgrade their properties to help meet climate targets.
A source with knowledge of the No 10 discussions said Sunaks plan to reset the narrative on net zero would delay some of the main targets, but he is not expected to abandon the overall target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Senior Tories have argued that watering down the targets would be a huge mistake that could cost jobs, put up energy bills and damage the UKs international reputation.
