New Review Launched as UK Car Industry Faces EV Crisis
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has kicked off a fresh review to support UK car makers battling the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The move comes after a stark warning from 40 worried Labour MPs about imminent job losses in the British motor sector.
Labour MPs Slam EV Policy for Job Threats
Over ten per cent of Labour MPs have signed a blunt letter to ministers, flagging serious fears over EV targets putting workers’ livelihoods at risk. Mansfield MP Steve Yemm spilled the beans on Chopper’s Political Podcast, revealing a rare “real unanimity” among colleagues.
“Some of us are really concerned because we meet with workers, we meet with management and we hear the same thing,” Yemm said. He also confirmed he raised these fears directly with Heidi Alexander last week.
Government Holds Firm—but Offers “Extra Flexibilities”
The UK’s petrol and diesel ban starts in 2030, with all new vehicles expected to be zero-emission by 2035. Officials promise these deadlines won’t shift, but admit that the upcoming 2027 review could grant manufacturers “extra flexibilities” to ease the mounting pressure.
A source close to Alexander revealed, “We were always reviewing it in 2027; that’s long been the commitment.”
Car Makers Slash EV Prices Amid Industry Worries
To smash tough sales targets, car makers have slashed EV prices massively, sparking fears over the sector’s financial health. Yet EV sales rocketed last February, fuelled by soaring petrol prices caused by the Iran conflict.
The Department for Transport insists Britain’s switch to electric is speeding up. A spokesman said:
“It has never been easier or cheaper to own an EV, especially against the backdrop of high and fluctuating prices at the pumps. One in four cars sold now is electric.”
The government has also introduced flexible routes to help manufacturers meet zero-emission rules without depending entirely on pure EV sales.
So far, the Treasury has pumped over £7.5 billion into EV manufacturing support. The Electric Car Grant has helped 80,000 UK drivers make the electric switch.
