Ministers Urged: Don’t Ditch Green Policies Despite Backlash
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer face pressure to stick with their parties’ green plans amid mounting worries over how fast environmental reforms are happening. But a Cabinet minister says the government might be “asking too much, too quickly,” especially from landlords.
Labour Blamed for Ulez Fault After Tory By-Election Win
London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) expansion has been fingered as a factor in Labour’s failure to snatch Boris Johnson’s old seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. The Tories held on by just 495 votes, with critics blaming Labour’s green policies for alienating some voters.
Starmer Vows to Keep Green Promises — But With Caution
Sir Keir insists Labour won’t ditch its green pledges but admitted the party must “reflect and learn” from how its environmental policies have hit the ground. Pressure is building on all sides to balance eco ambition with voter concerns.
Michael Gove Calls for Landlord Green Rules Delay
Housing Secretary Michael Gove wants to push back the deadline for landlords to boost their properties’ energy efficiency—perhaps beyond 2028. His plan would delay the ban on renting out homes that don’t meet new energy performance standards.
Upgrades like heat pumps, insulation, or solar panels could cost landlords thousands, Gove warned. “We’re asking too much too quickly,” he said.
Tories Push Back on Net-Zero Targets
Tory MP Craig Mackinlay, head of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, proposes delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035. This comes amid growing calls for Boris Johnson to rethink some net-zero pledges designed to meet the UK’s 2050 carbon target.
Senior conservatives caution against sacrificing long-term climate goals for short-term political wins. Alok Sharma, former COP26 president, stressed the need to keep the political consensus on climate action intact.
