Labour Government Rejects Calls to Abandon 2030 Petrol and Diesel Car Ban
The Labour Party government has firmly refused to scrap the planned 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, despite significant opposition from major car manufacturers who have warned of substantial financial losses. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has publicly backed the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, reinforcing the government's commitment to this ambitious environmental policy.
Transport Secretary Defends Policy in Parliament
Speaking during a session in the House of Commons, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted that the United Kingdom has become the European leader in electric vehicle adoption among major economies. She informed Members of Parliament that the UK achieved the highest electric vehicle market share in 2025, attributing this success to what she described as "clear and consistent policy direction."
Ms. Alexander criticized the previous government's approach, stating: "Vehicle manufacturers and indeed the wider electric vehicle transition continue to be impacted by the mixed messages of the previous government on this issue. Their decision to reverse the phase out of petrol and diesel cars from 2030 has done untold harm to the electric vehicle transition in the UK at a time when certainty is most needed, and when manufacturers need support in meeting their electric vehicle obligations."
Conservative Opposition and Industry Concerns
Conservative Party Shadow Transport Minister Greg Smith presented counterarguments, quoting Hyundai's European president, Xavier Martinet, who asserted that the mandate "no longer makes sense and needs to be rethought." Mr. Smith also referenced comments from the Stellantis chief executive, who characterized the decision as "an important strategic reset of our business model to put our customer preferences back at the centre of what we do."
Mr. Smith urged government ministers to "listen to consumers, set the car market free, and adopt the Conservative plan to scrap the ZEV mandate."
Labour's Policy Details and Future Plans
Ms. Alexander elaborated on the government's position, explaining: "Today, we correct the decisions of the past and provide the certainty and the support that manufacturers deserve. In our manifesto, we promised to reimplement the phase out of all new cars powered solely by internal combustion engines from 2030, restoring the certainty that has been sorely lacking."
She confirmed that from 2030, all new cars will need to be hybridized in some manner or be completely zero emission. Furthermore, from 2035, all new cars and vans must be zero emission vehicles. The government has proposed several amendments to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, which is considered the world's most ambitious decarbonization measure of its kind.
While these amendments are technical in nature, they are designed to significantly impact manufacturers' ability to decarbonize sustainably. The changes aim to provide short-term flexibility to ensure that jobs and investment remain in the United Kingdom as the automotive industry transitions toward electric vehicles.
