𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The Tories have launched a bid to scrap net zero rules on cars. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden has put forward a bill to abolish the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which forces car makers to sell a rising proportion of electric vehicles each year.

He warned that the measure, which the Government is currently reviewing, is a “classic example of politicians in Whitehall thinking they know better than families and businesses about what vehicle is right for them”. But Labour hit back at the “cheap stunt” and pointed out the previous Conservative administration brought in the policy.

Mr Holden said: “If you want an electric car, buy one. If you want a hybrid, petrol or diesel car, you should be free to buy that too. The choice should be yours, not forced on you whether it’s suitable or not by misguided ministers in the Labour Government.

“Now, I am putting legislation before the House of Commons to scrap the ZEV mandate.

“British manufacturers should be building the cars people want to buy, not facing fines because politicians have set arbitrary quotas that consumer demand cannot support.

“Conservatives will back innovation and cleaner technology by making it work for consumers, not by telling people what they have to buy. We will put motorists and businesses back in the driving seat.”

Under the ZEV mandate, 33% of sales this year must be zero-emission vehicles, rising to 80% in 2030 and 100% by 2035. Manufacturers can be slapped with fines if they do not meet the targets.

But research from the Institute of the Motor Industry found 82% of automotive professionals were not confident the workforce would be ready at the pace required by the mandate.

Mr Holden’s bill, which faces its next Commons hurdle on January 27, is unlikely to become law, but it is a way of drawing attention to the issue.

A Labour spokesperson said: “The Tories are tying themselves in knots with cheap stunts to reverse a policy they introduced in the first place.

“It’s never been easier or cheaper to own an EV. More than 1.8 million EV drivers are saving up to £1,400 per year in running costs compared to petrol, boosting our energy security and protecting consumers from volatile fuel prices.

“We are currently running a promised review of the mandate to ensure it continues to support British industry and investment.”