Kemi Badenoch Says Conservatives Would Scrap 2030 Petrol/Diesel Car Ban If Elected
Kemi Badenoch has stated that the Conservative Party would scrap the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban if they win the next UK general election, criticizing the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate as well-meaning but destructive.
Currently, from 2030 all new cars sold must be electric or hybrid in order to meet the legally binding net-zero target for 2050. The ban was originally introduced in 2020 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was later moved to 2035 by Rishi Sunak, while Labour has pledged to bring the deadline forward in its 2024 manifesto.
Badenoch cited pressure from the European Union to water down similar bans, arguing that the EU's shift risks isolating Labour and strengthening foreign supply chains. She contends that scrapping the mandate would help rebuild the UK car industry and would prioritize affordability, practicality, and technological progress rather than mandates.
The government has recently added £1.3 billion to the Electric Car Grant scheme, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 3p per mile EV duty starting from April 2028. UK car firms reportedly remain divided on the 2030 deadline, with some calling for increased support to meet it.
The Department for Transport stated that the government remains committed to phasing out all non-zero-emission car and van sales, highlighting that more drivers are choosing electric vehicles. The next UK general election must be held by 15 August 2029, though the Prime Minister can call an earlier election.
