Rishi Sunak prepares to water down UK green measures

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🗞️ Driving the news: According to media reports, Prime Minister of the UK Rishi Sunak is contemplating stepping back from key environmental commitments
• Reports suggest a potential delay in the proposed ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 and relaxing the plan to prohibit new household gas boilers from 2035

🔭 The context: Sunak has already faced criticism for delaying environmental action, casting doubt on the UK’s ambition to reach net-zero carbon by 2050
• These reports highlight tensions within the UK government on balancing economic concerns with environmental imperatives

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These potential rollbacks could hinder the UK's progress in combating climate change
• Although the reforms are aimed toward ensuring that hard-working families aren't burdened, critics argue that this could set the green agenda back by a decade

⏭️ What's next: Sunak believes challenging the Labour Party on green policies might give the Conservatives an edge in the next elections
• However, such a strategy risks alienating voters who prioritize climate action

💬 One quote: “We will look back on this moment as Sunak’s slow motion car crash” (Chris Skidmore, a Conservative MP)

📈 One stat: The car industry seeks clarity as Sunak deliberates, with BMW recently committing £600 million to produce electric Minis in the UK

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