Andy Burnham refuses to rule out EV target U-turn as Labour considers slashing Net Zero car sales mandate

Andy Burnham said no decision has been made on the UK’s electric-vehicle sales targets, amid reports that ministers may weaken the rules. The issue is under review as the Government weighs concerns from carmakers about the pace and cost of the transition, while the reports have drawn criticism from climate campaigners ahead of the UN climate summit in Turkey.

The current mandate requires zero-emission vehicles to make up 80 per cent of new-car sales by 2030, with hybrids allowed to account for the remainder. Options in the Government’s consultation included lowering the target to 50 per cent, while a reported proposal would reduce it to 60 per cent. The motor industry’s trade body says faster targets could raise costs and limit consumer choice, though it says consumers are increasingly choosing electric cars.