Johnson accuses Sunak of 'losing ambition' as he cuts net zero targets

Boris Johnson's criticism of Rishi Sunak came just hours before the Prime Minister gave a press conference. Photo: JUSTIN TULLIS/AFP < p>Boris Johnson criticized Rishi Sunak for reducing the net zero targets he set in office, accusing him of «losing ambition» for Britain's future.

The former prime minister said “we can’t afford this.” are now reeling» and that businesses need «confidence» that the government will deliver on its promises.

His attack came just hours before Mr Sunak gave a press conference announcing that a number of environmental policies are delayed.

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The Prime Minister delayed a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035 and eased a planned phase-out of gas boilers.

Mr Johnson introduced both proposals while in No 10 and they formed the bulk of his commitment to a net-zero emissions Britain by 2050.

He said: “Business must have confidence in our zero net emissions commitments. The country is leading the way in combating climate change and creating new, clean technologies.

“Business and industry, such as the automotive industry, are rightfully investing heavily in these new technologies.

“It is these investments will create a low-carbon future – at lower costs for British families.”

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“It is vital that we give these businesses confidence that the Government remains committed to net zero and sees a way forward.

“We cannot afford to falter now or in any way lose our ambition. for this country.»

Investor cut-off

His criticism continues personal animosity between the two men that has been simmering since Mr. Johnson was ousted from office last summer.

Mr Sunak's decision to delay the net zero target was welcomed by another of his predecessors, Liz Truss, who had called for such a move just days earlier.

The former prime minister said the government's environmental commitments were «exacerbating the cost of living crisis , hitting households in the pocket.»

However, this statement has drawn condemnation from some business representatives, including automobile companies that are switching to the production of electric vehicles.

One energy industry source said the prime minister had been calling company executives to give them reassurance ahead of his speech.

But they warned that the increasingly negative tone of the government's net-zero announcements was spooking investors. in Britain.

An insider said Number 10 had gone from “opportunity, leadership and promises of unlimited energy” under Johnson to “a stingy Ebenezer Scrooge.”

“Boris Johnson really had a huge impact on the ability of UK firms to get investment because he was just very supportive and made people believe that the government had got it and was willing to do something to enable massive private investment,” they said.

“ Rishi Sunak has announced a number of policies that are actually quite neutral or positive in terms of their impact, but they have spooked the markets because of the way they are presented.

» This is the kind of nonsense that scares off investors who, frankly, don't pay attention to the little details.»