Skip to main content
Sunak besieged on all sides over his net-zero policy climbdown
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaking during a Q&A session at The Platform in Morecambe, Lancashire, September 14, 2023

RISHI SUNAK was besieged on all sides over his net-zero policy climbdown today, with business leaders and Tory backbenchers joining environmental campaigners in calls for him to think again.

The Prime Minister revealed details of his leaked U-turn, announcing that the government is abandoning plans to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 and gas boilers from 2035, key parts of Britain’s climate change commitments.

The shift is driven by cynical Conservative calculations after the unforeseen Tory win in the Uxbridge by-election indicated that backpedalling on green issues might resonate with parts of the electorate.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn (centre) takes part pro-Palestine march in central London, organised by a number of groups under the Palestine Coalition banner, March 15, 2025
Britain / 13 May 2025
13 May 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking during a press conference on the Immigration White Paper in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, May 12, 2025
Eyes Left / 14 May 2025
14 May 2025

Just as German Social Democrats joined the Nazis in singing Deutschland Uber Alles, ANDREW MURRAY observes how Starmer tries to out-Farage Farage with anti-migrant policies — but evidence shows Reform voters come from Tories, not Labour, making this ploy morally bankrupt and politically pointless

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump shake hands at a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House, February 27, 2025
Trump's Tariffs / 8 May 2025
8 May 2025
Similar stories
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, March 2023
Climate / 30 April 2025
30 April 2025
Oil platforms standing in the Cromarty Firth near Invergordo
Britain / 13 September 2024
13 September 2024
North Sea oil and gas licences may be ruled unlawful after High Court bans new coalmine
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and wife, Akshata Murty, attendin
Britain / 7 June 2024
7 June 2024