Net zero policies can’t just work for the “metropolitan bubble”, Kemi Badenoch has said after Rishi Sunak delayed a series of key green policies.
The Business Secretary defended the Prime Minister’s decision to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 to 2035 and exempt some households from the ban on oil and gas boilers.
Ms Badenoch strongly rejected a Sky News presenter’s suggestion that “the poorest in society don’t drive in this country”, accusing her of making a “ridiculous statement” and a “staggering” argument.
“You’ll find the poorest in society driving because they live in a rural area,” he said. “People who live in cities will be able to deal with this in a very different way than people who live in cities and rural areas. We need to think about everyone, not just the metropolitan bubble.”
Pressed by Mr Sunak’s change of heart, Ms Badenoch responded: “Well, I’m afraid my constituents raise these concerns all the time and those who can least afford it are the ones who make the most complaints. And we as a government are thinking about them. That’s why we’re thinking about them.”
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