The Prime Minister has talked of tackling the climate crisis in a “proportionate and pragmatic” way as he refused to confirm that the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicle sales will go ahead.

The Daily Telegraph quotes Rishi Sunak as saying: “Of course net zero is important to me.

“So yes we’re going to keep making progress towards our net zero ambitions and we’re also going to strengthen our energy security.

“I think the events over the last year or two have demonstrated the importance of investing more in home-grown energy, whether that’s more nuclear or offshore wind. I think that’s what people want to see and that’s what I’m going to deliver.”

Then asked whether 2030 remained a “cast iron commitment” his official spokesman said: “That remains our commitment. I think as you heard from the Prime Minister this morning, what we want to do is ensure that this approach is proportionate and pragmatic and doesn’t unfairly impact the public.”

Previously, Craig Mackinlay, the Tory chairman of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, told The Telegraph: “We need to get the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars overturned at least until 2035, which is where most of the developed world is going. It is pre madness to saddle ourselves with this deadline.”

(Picture – Yay Images)