Labor promises to reinstate a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030

Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow business minister, addressed delegates at the Labor Party conference business forum. Photo: Leon Neil/Getty Images

Labour will reinstate a 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars if it wins the next election, the shadow business secretary has said.

Jonathan Reynolds says car manufacturers «want» an earlier date, and opposed Rishi Sunak's plan to delay it by five years.

Last month, the Prime Minister announced he was delaying the plan by five years as part of a more «pragmatic» approach to clean zero.

The debate about when to introduce a ban is one of the few. consistent dividing lines between the two parties ahead of next year's elections.

Mr Reynolds said the Conservative approach was «undermining international investment» in Britain «by slashing and changing».

He warned that the government's «endless stop-start policy has led to the stagnation of the British car industry» at a crucial time moment.

“The industry itself wants 2030, they are absolutely clear about that, the big car manufacturers in the UK are clear about that,” he added.

The shadow business secretary has outlined his 'plan for the car industry'. sector» on Monday during a speech at the party conference.

It is part of a wider sectoral approach to industrial strategy as part of a bid to reposition Labor as the party of business.

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Sir Keir Stamer emphasized a long-term approach to decision-making and ensuring the stability of international companies after a turbulent period.

He said that as Prime Minister he would provide certainty to companies, even if it meant sticking to decisions made by the Tories.

Steve Reid, the shadow environment secretary, insisted last month that Labor reinstated the 2030 date for this reason.

“We would keep it the same. 2030 because that's what the business is investing in, that's what the business is expecting, that's how we can get to net zero,» he said.

«But it's also how we can reduce costs for fuel for households that have cars. and you need to travel. Rishi Sunak is stuck in the past here.”

He warned that delaying the ban would “hold back the investment we really need to boost this sector of the economy” and make “everyone a loser.”

p>< p>Mr Sunak said opponents of his plans to relax the net zero deadline must explain why they want Britons to suffer financially.