Net zero needs public support to be a success

RISHI Sunak is displaying compassion and common sense by slowing the drive to net zero and ensuring that efforts to protect the planet put people first.

We all recognise the need to tackle climate change.As the Prime Minister said yesterday, that means making changes.

It is also essential, however, to ensure those changes are fair and affordable, remembering always that the costs will be borne by the public.

At a time when prices and bills remain high, the Government’s focus must be on helping hard-pressed households and bringing inflation down.

Over-zealous “green” campaigners believe that if it isn’t hurting, it isn’t working.They seem to think that the more unaffordable a policy is, the better.

By contrast, Mr Sunak understands that the move to net zero needs public support.

He has set out a positive vision, arguing it is possible to reduce carbon emissions without driving households into poverty.

The Prime Minister has delayed plans to ban the sale of new petrol cars by five years – which merely brings us into line with France and Germany. It never made sense for the UK to impose more burdens on motorists than our European neighbours.

Expensive new obligations on private landlords have been scrapped, providing relief to tenants who would ultimately have been forced to pay.

And while most properties will eventually be fitted with heat pumps to replace boilers, there will be sensible exemptions where this isn’t possible.

Those who disagree with Mr Sunak’s approach must explain exactly what they would do differently.