Scotland right to reject Rishi Sunak’s war on EVs in drive to 2045
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s war on Electric Vehicle drivers has been criticised by the chief executive of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) Chris Stark - just as Scotland ramps up its support for drivers to switch from petrol and diesel.
He said the Tory leader's comments on net zero last year had dented consumer confidence and saw sales dip. Scotland by contrast is rolling out support to help more people make the switch.
Mr Stark highlighted green net zero minister Patrick Harvie’s blueprint for heating in buildings and cutting emissions as being “the template” for the whole of the UK and other countries around Europe to follow.
He also said a decision to move from locked in targets to five year carbon budgets was a “sensible step” but indicated milestones should still be looked at.
And he welcomed a decision to retain its ambition to reach net zero by 2045.
Scottish Greens climate spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said: “This is a pivotal moment for Scotland to accelerate the pace of climate action, but also to focus on the steps needed to get there, so Chris Stark’s contribution is very welcome.
“It is reassuring that the CCC supports our drive for more electric vehicles, that they deem moving to five year carbon budgets as sensible, and that he has held up Patrick Harvie’s heating in buildings plan as best practice for other countries.
“This though is just some of the work we need to do in ramping up our actions with a proper climate plan that includes calculating carbon savings with key delivery dates and monitoring our progress. That is why the CCC and Mr Stark’s diligent feedback is so welcome.
“Recent days have shown just how important climate action is to the people of Scotland, which should send a message to politicians of all hues to get behind efforts to accelerate the pace of change towards our 2045 net zero targets.”
