The Government is looking at moving the ban on Internal Combustion Engines back to 2035 as the costs and difficulties of achieving Net Zero become clearer.

Various sources report Rishi Sunak is preparing a speech “to set out an important long-term decision we need to make so our country becomes the place I know we all want it to be for our children”.

The BBC reports the government says it is committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 but in a “more proportionate way”.

The Home Secretary told BBC Breakfast “We are not going to save the country by bankrupting the country.”

Labour has criticised the idea. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Darren Jones, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury called it a “risk for the British economy and British business. These targets are important so that British businesses know how to invest in their workforce and their factories.”

Dr Ashok Sinha, CEO at climate solutions charity Ashden told Highways News he believes: “If the PM wanted to do maximum harm to the UK economy, then this would be the way to do it. The green transition is not only necessary to prevent catastrophic environmental impacts, but it’s the only way to secure our country’s future prosperity. Putting us into the slow lane in the race to net zero will only scare off investors, damage our credibility with business and put the brakes on the climate innovation that we see growing in SMEs and communities across the country. This will only hurt jobs, livelihoods and living standards.”

(Picture – Yay Images)