Labour ‘plans to cut EV targets’ despite backlash from MPs

Labour ‘plans to cut EV targets’ despite backlash from MPs Louise Haigh is due to meet ministers from business, energy and transport departments for a crunch meeting on Wednesday - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Andy Burnham is facing a likely backlash from Labour MPs as the government will reportedly announce cuts to electric vehicle (EV) targets this week. The move will relieve carmakers who have voiced concern that the target of only selling EVs by 2035 is unattainable due to higher inflation and a squeeze on living standards. Louise Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, will finalise the plan in a meeting with leaders between the transport, energy and business departments on Wednesday, The Guardian reports. Labour MPs, many of whom have been disappointed by the decision to approve the Jackdaw gasfields are likely to push back against the move. The rules, which were brought in by the last Conservative government, mandate that carmakers transition to EVs, reaching the proportion to 80 per cent by 2030. It is the government’s single biggest decarbonisation policy and is expected to create greater emissions savings than any other. The expected move comes as Andy Burnham prepares to travel to his first Cop climate summit as prime minister alongside foreign secretary Ed Miliband. Catherine Fookes, the MP for Monmouthshire, told the The Guardian: “The government has some incredibly difficult decisions to make in the coming months and the prime minister will need to weigh up the consequences of each. We need the ZEV mandate to stay, and Rosebank to be rejected.” The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have warned that the industry will miss the 2026’s target of 33 per cent by a wide margin. Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, said: “The gap between demand and mandated targets continues to widen. “Meaningful change to the trajectory, alongside expanded flexibilities throughout the regulation, is essential to bridge that gap, safeguard jobs and investment while keeping the UK’s zero emission transition on track.” The policy has already been diluted on several occasions since first being proposed, with an internal battle ongoing between departments in Whitehall. It is understood that transport secretary Heidi Alexander wishes the 2030 target to be reduced to 60 per cent, with business secretary Jonathan Reynolds arguing for a further reduction to 50 per cent. Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and Mr Miliband are both understood to wish for the target to remain at 80 per cent. Sources told The Guardian that Ms Haigh is likely to sign off on the 60 per cent target while also extending the flexibilities in the target to 2034, but will inform colleagues that she does not want them to come back in future and demand further target reductions. Speaking to Sky News, health minister Karin Smyth said: "On this particular issue, no decisions have been made...on this particular issue, as I understand it, no decisions have been made, and we are committed to those targets." A government spokesperson told The Guardian: “The government is united in its commitment to the ZEV mandate and no decisions have been taken. “We are committed to the phaseout of all new cars relying solely on petrol and diesel engines by 2030, and to 100% of new car and van sales being zero emission by 2035, and our legally binding net zero targets. “Our consultation on the mandate will not change this, and will ensure we are taking a pragmatic and balanced approach to the ZEV transition.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments