An unusual late-night statement from the prime minister triggered by leaks to the media regarding the government's plans to water down its net zero pledges: Rishi Sunak is continuing to draw the battlelines for the next general election.
And Marco Longhi, a Tory MP with a red wall constituency, told me the PM's decision was extremely welcome. So, with tentative public support for a green economy, Sunak's predicted climbdown is an electoral gamble he will be hoping pays off at the ballot box. Lisa Brankin, the chair of Ford UK, highlighted that her company had invested £430m in UK development and manufacturing facilities, with more cash to come to fit the 2030 timeframe.
"We need the policy focus trained on bolstering the EV market in the short term and supporting consumers while headwinds are strong: infrastructure remains immature, tariffs loom and cost-of-living is high." Stellantis, the owner of Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and DS said:"Clarity is required from governments on important legislation, especially environmental issues that impact society as a whole."