In a not unexpected, but still controversial move, UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has announced a delay in the ban on new petrol and diesel cars sales from 2030 to 2035. 

The UK government said it could not impose "unacceptable costs" linked to reducing emissions on British families and that the government was “moving too fast on green policies and risked losing the consent of the British people".

The new proposal will mean all new cars will have to be "zero emission –from the tailpipe" from 2035. 

Reaction to the news has been mixed, with environmental groups critising the move. It has also been heavily critised by some car makers including Ford. 

Ford UK chairperson, Lisa Brankin, said "Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three."

Many car makers are angry that investment plans based on the 2030 ban will now have to be revised. However, other car makers welcome the longer time frame, which they say will allow smoother transition to alternative power sources. 

The delay in the ban brings the UK into line with the European Union, which is also banning sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Ireland, at present, still has a 2030 ban in place as part of its climate action plan, However, it is highly likely that rules will now fall into line with the EU, with the ban date extended to 2035.