Prime Minister Andy Burnham came under fire for pursuing policies critics argue contradict climate action at a moment when the United Kingdom faces severe environmental crisis. The government announced a consultation on Friday to potentially reduce the target for new electric vehicle sales to as low as 50% by 2030, down from the current 80% requirement. Alternative options being considered include maintaining existing targets or reducing them to 70% or 60%.
The timing of the EV consultation occurred on the same day Burnham publicly acknowledged the connection between the climate crisis and widespread wildfires ravaging parts of England and Wales. The country experienced its hottest day of the year and the fifth hottest on record, following multiple heatwaves during the summer. Wildfires in the West Midlands destroyed 19 homes and burned approximately 200 hectares, prompting the government to deploy military resources, ban disposable barbecues, and activate emergency alert systems.
Despite his statements recognizing the severity of climate impacts, Burnham defended what he characterized as a pragmatic approach regarding North Sea oil and gas extraction. His government will soon decide on permitting drilling at the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields, with a consultation on Rosebank closing later that week. Environmental organizations including Greenpeace argued that approving new drilling would be unconscionable given the extreme weather patterns witnessed that summer.
The automotive industry had pressured the government for relief from EV mandates, citing excessive pressure on manufacturers and threats of job losses or factory closures. Electric car sales had grown 29% during the year. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated the government needed to “remain pro-business and grounded in the real world” while keeping targets under review. However, climate advocates, including research organizations and charging infrastructure companies, strongly opposed weakening the zero emissions vehicle mandate, arguing EV adoption represented the single most significant policy for reducing UK carbon emissions over the coming decade.
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