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Mr Sunak said last week that he would be watering down several climate policies, while still aiming to meet the overall target of reaching net zero by 2050.<\/p>\n
The Civitas report identified over 200 countries that have made net zero pledges but only six, including the UK, have adopted legally enforceable \u2018net zero\u2019 targets.<\/p>\n
Mr Stewart: \u201cThe UK is a global outlier in terms of the strength of its net zero commitments. It already has the most expensive power of any major economy despite being blessed with abundant energy reserves.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has already cut emissions harder and faster than almost all other developed nations, its emissions in a global context are minimal and it is one of a very few countries to tie net zero objectives into law with statutory obligation regardless of feasibility or cost.<\/p>\n
\u201cExpenditure on this level and costs imposed on society requires the consent of the governed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> Sunak’s North Sea oil plan given green light in major win for UK energy security[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Mr Sunak\u2019s rethink of green policies was seen as an attempt to create a dividing line with Labour ahead of a possible general election next year.<\/p>\n The Prime Minister announced he is pushing back the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, watered down the plan to phase out gas boilers by 2035 and scrapped the requirement of energy efficiency upgrades to homes. Many of his backbench MPs looking to secure votes at the ballot box praised the move while others criticised the decisions.<\/p>\n Craig Mackinlay, chairman of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group of Conservative MPs, said Mr Sunak\u2019s latest approach brings \u201cpragmatism and realism to the Net Zero pathway\u201d.<\/p>\n Writing in the Express following the Prime Minister\u2019s speech on Thursday, he said: \u201cThis is an honest announcement based on cold reality. Consumers will have choice returned to them and will welcome it. It\u2019s good politics too as Labour peddle more extreme, expensive, controlling and unachievable pipe-dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, former Tory energy minister Chris Skidmore said that \u201cdelaying carefully planned and proportionate net zero measures will only cause economic pain and cost householders more. We cannot afford for \u2018not zero\u2019 to damage businesses and jobs\u201d.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/4982225.jpg?r=1695848635189\")
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