Climate-change policy on the hoof

Just a week ago, the Government brought forward the date, already an ambitious one, for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel engine cars from 2040 to 2035. Surprisingly, hybrid vehicles are to be included in this prohibition. We pointed to the perverse incentive this would have on people persuaded to buy hybrids on environmental grounds hanging on to their old cars long after they might otherwise have sold or scrapped them.

None the less, people understand that the world is moving to a non-carbon future, as do the car manufacturers, who are increasingly diversifying into electric or hydrogen vehicles. What was needed, we said, was clarity of purpose and leadership.

Yet within the space of a few days, the country has been confronted with yet another deadline. Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, says the ban might now take effect from 2032, a mere 12 years away.

What on earth is going on? Manufacturers and owners are prepared to do their bit, but deserve more than what appears to be a policy made on the hoof. The car industry, which switched production to diesels on climate-change grounds and has been hit hard by falling sales, has invested heavily in hybrid models, only to find the ground moving again.

Many intend to develop all-electric models, but there is not much point if charging points are scarce. Providing the infrastructure is what the Government should be focusing its efforts on, rather than plucking arbitrary deadlines out of thin air. Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, called the policy a “date without a plan” and he has a point.

Boris Johnson, in office since July, has been in possession of an effective Commons majority for just a few months. It is far too early to pass judgment on a record that is just a work in progress. But while the rhetoric has been welcome, there is no sign yet of a coherent plan.

Today’s reshuffle is an opportunity to demonstrate that Mr Johnson wants to promote the best and brightest to inject enthusiasm into his administration. It is important that ministers are encouraged to champion new ideas and are not shut out by unnecessary barriers to innovation. Next month’s Budget offers a further chance to see Mr Johnson’s plan take the shape his supporters would expect from a Conservative government.