What's happened
The UK government is revising its electric vehicle (EV) mandates amid rising job losses in the automotive sector. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized the need to support the industry while maintaining a commitment to a 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars. The government is considering reducing fines for manufacturers failing to meet EV quotas.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Michael Savage in The Guardian, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated, "There is no route to net zero without backing British industries and workers," highlighting the government's commitment to support the automotive sector amid rising job losses. Meanwhile, Gaby Hinsliff noted that the closure of Stellantis's Luton factory, which puts 1,100 jobs at risk, reflects the industry's struggle with the current zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This sentiment is echoed by Jasper Jolly, who reported that Stellantis's decision to close the factory was seen as a direct response to the ZEV mandate, despite earlier assurances of meeting sales targets. The Independent also pointed out that the government is considering exemptions for hybrid vehicles to mitigate factory closures, indicating a potential shift in policy to support the automotive industry.
How we got here
The UK government previously set a 2030 deadline to ban new petrol and diesel cars, but recent job losses in the automotive sector have prompted a reassessment of these targets. Carmakers have expressed concerns over stringent EV quotas amid declining public demand for electric vehicles.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Louise Margaret Haigh is a British Labour Party politician currently serving as the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
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Stellantis is the Dutch-based multinational automotive manufacturing corporation resulting of the merger of French automaker Groupe PSA and Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, following completion of a 50-50 merger agreement.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.