UK to bring forward ban on petrol and diesel cars to 2035

Cars will still be the dominant mode of transport according to the survey

The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has launched the next UN climate conference COP26, joined by Sir David Attenborough and Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, at an event in central London.

Johnson said: “Hosting COP26 is an important opportunity for the UK and nations across the globe to step up in the fight against climate change. As we set out our plans to hit our ambitious 2050 net zero target across this year, we shall urge others to join us in pledging net zero emissions.

“There can be no greater responsibility than protecting our planet, and no mission that a Global Britain is prouder to serve. 2020 must be the year we turn the tide on global warming – it will be the year when we choose a cleaner, greener future for all.”

Johnson announced the government plans to bring forward an end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition is feasible, subject to consultation, as well as including hybrids for the first time.

Business and Energy Secretary, Andrea Leadsom, commented: “The UK has a proud record in tackling climate change and making the most of the enormous economic potential of clean technologies.

“This is my number one priority, and we will raise our ambition in this year of climate action, including with new plans to decarbonise every sector, enabling a greener future for all our children.”

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, added: “This government’s £1.5 billion strategy to make owning an electric vehicle as easy as possible is working – last year alone, a fully electric car was sold every 15 minutes.

“We want to go further than ever before. That’s why we are bringing forward our already ambitious target to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to tackle climate change and reduce emissions.”