Conservatives Plan to Abandon Petrol Car Prohibition if They Secure Election Victory

Kemi Badenoch has declared that the Conservative Party intends to revoke the impending ban on petrol and diesel vehicles if they emerge victorious in the upcoming election.

In her commentary for the Sunday Telegraph, the leader of the Conservatives criticized the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate (ZEV), labeling it as a “well-intentioned yet ultimately harmful piece of legislation.” This mandate requires that starting in 2030, all new vehicles sold must be electric or hybrid, a move aimed at fulfilling the government’s legally mandated goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Badenoch’s remarks followed her discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has been advocating for modifications to the EU’s proposed ban on fossil fuel vehicles.

Concerns Over Economic Impact

The term ‘net zero’ pertains to balancing the greenhouse gases emitted with those removed from the environment. Recently, six European Union nations, including Italy, urged a reconsideration of plans to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, arguing that such measures could harm their industrial competitiveness.

Badenoch indicated that the EU’s potential shift away from a complete ban could further isolate Labour, asserting that the UK’s initiative to advance without EU support risks disadvantaging local industries while enabling other countries to dominate global supply chains.

She stated, “The only beneficiaries of this economic self-sabotage are China.”

Moreover, Badenoch affirmed that her administration would seek a transition towards cleaner transportation, focusing on affordability, practicality, and technological advancements rather than on unrealistic regulations that could hinder domestic production and benefit foreign rivals.

Industry Reactions and Government Initiatives

By abolishing the mandate, she believes the UK could create an opportunity to revitalize its automotive sector. Reports suggest that UK automotive companies have been divided regarding the 2030 deadline, with some advocating for additional support to comply with it.

In its most recent Budget announcement, the government allocated an extra £1.3 billion to the Electric Car Grant initiative, designed to incentivize motorists to transition to electric vehicles.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed that from April 2028, drivers of battery electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, will incur a charge of 3p per mile under the Electric Vehicle Excise Duty. Critics warn that this could diminish the attractiveness of electric vehicles.

Background on Proposed Car Ban

The initial prohibition on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles was introduced in 2020 under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a plan that Badenoch, who was a cabinet member at the time, opposed. Subsequently, Rishi Sunak postponed the ban to 2035, while Labour has committed to advancing it in their manifesto for the 2024 election.

A representative from the Department for Transport asserted that the government remains dedicated to phasing out all new non-zero emission car and van sales, emphasizing that an increasing number of drivers are opting for electric vehicles.

The next general election in the UK must occur by August 15, 2029, although the Prime Minister retains the authority to call for an election at any time prior to this deadline.