Keir Starmer has confirmed that the Government will uphold its decision to prohibit the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, but it has announced a relaxation of rules concerning hybrids. This announcement came amid warnings from the Prime Minister about the significant impact Donald Trump’s tariffs could have on the global economy, as markets worldwide experienced a downturn.
In a key speech, the PM acknowledged the negative implications of tariffs, but assured that the government would strive for the best possible deal with the US. He called for national unity in response to these challenges.
Addressing an audience at Jaguar Land Rover, Mr Starmer pledged his full support to the car industry, which has been severely affected by the tariffs on goods exported to the US. The PM vowed to back businesses and employees during this “global instability” period following a rout in the FTSE 100 on Monday morning.
The PM reaffirmed the 2030 deadline for banning the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles, a target previously extended to 2035 by the Tory Government. However, he revealed that hybrid cars, which combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric battery, such as the Toyota Prius and Nissan e-Power, will be permitted for sale until 2035 to allow the industry more time to adapt.
Mr Starmer stated: “These are challenging times, but we have chosen to come here because we are going to back you to the hilt”. He further added: “Because we’re not ideological about how we cut carbon emissions, we’re also going to make sure that cleaner, efficient petrol cars sold before 2030 count towards your EV mandate.
“That will be good for British car manufacturers, like this one here.”
He said: “British electric cars running off clean British power made by British workers. British cars for British workers. And as you know, by the way, switching to electric can also save you up to £ 1,100 a year, so if we get this right, it can help with the cost of living as well.”
He also remarked: “This is a moment for cool heads; nobody wins from a trade war, you know that. But it’s also a moment for urgency because we’ve got to rise together as a nation to the great challenge of our age – and it is the great challenge – which is to renew Britain so we’re secure in this era of global instability.”
Trump appeared unbothered by the stock market and took Truth Social to urge Americans not to be “weak” or “stupid”.
