POLICY changes announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will “seriously jeopardise Somerset’s and the UK’s ability to reach Net Zero”, a county leader has said.

In a letter to the minister for energy security and net zero, Councillor Dixie Darch, Somerset Council’s lead member for climate and environment, has voiced her “frustration” at recent changes to green policy.

Last week, the PM outlined a delay to deadlines for a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars, as well as delaying plans to ban new gas boilers, amid other rollbacks of environmental plans.

He said the government would “adopt a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to meeting net zero that eases the burdens on working people”.

However, the changes have been attacked by some environmental groups, businesses and campaigners.

Ford UK chair, Lisa Brankin, said: “The UK 2030 target is a vital catalyst to accelerate Ford into a cleaner future,”

“Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three.”

Now, writing to the Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP (Con, Beverley and Holderness), Cllr Darch said Somerset was at the “sharp end” of the effects of climate change and urged a rethink to the changes.

“This is an issue that must transcend party politics – it is too important and too urgent,” Cllr Darch said.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during his speech on net zero. Picture: gov.uk

“The shift in policy undermines our work in Somerset, in practical terms and in the message it sends to the public about the commitment of elected members of all political parties to address the climate emergency.

“Rather than stepping back from policies, action needs to be stepped up – not just in reducing carbon emissions, but in investing in adapting to the effects of climate change.”

Before the creation of Somerset Council in April, all of the county’s district councils had declared Climate Emergencies.

The new council has formally declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency and is working to deliver on a Climate Strategy that covers energy, transport, waste and the natural environment.

Cllr Darch said successes in the effort had included the launch of a 10-year tree strategy, a rapid expansion of the county’s EV charging network and a successful bid to fund work to assist the uptake of energy efficient home improvements.

During his speech last week, the Prime Minister said the UK “leads the world on net zero”.

“But I also think that at least for now, it should be you the consumer that makes that choice, not government forcing you to do it,” he said of the ban on non-electric vehicles, which was due to be imposed from 2030.

“Because the upfront cost is still high – especially for families struggling with the cost of living.”

The move was welcomed by some, including Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg (Con, North East Somerset), who tweeted: “Backing the people against the blob deserves to be an election winning strategy.”