Labour MPs warn against weakening electric vehicle targets ahead of crunch talks

Exclusive: Cutting 2030 goal would be a ‘step backwards’, say MPs, as ministers clash over proposed reductions

Labour MPs are urging the government not to weaken its electric vehicle targets as divided cabinet ministers prepare for a crunch meeting on Thursday to thrash out a compromise.

Members of the climate and nature crisis caucus (CNCC) say ministers must not water down a legal requirement for carmakers to ensure that 80% of the vehicles they sell in 2030 are electric, saying doing so would be a backward step and “shortsighted”.

The intervention comes as Louise Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, prepares to meet the energy, business and transport secretaries to decide whether to change the target.