Michael Gove said that the 2030 ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars is “immovable”, taking a tougher stance than Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Sunak had left the door open that the target could change depending on technological improvements in emissions.
However, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said “Yes” when asked if the ban was immovable by Times Radio, cited in the Evening Standard.
Gove emphasised that the Government would consider the costs on people net zero plans would have when deciding policies to battle global warming amid record-high temperatures across Europe.
On Monday, Sunak was less certain about the 2030 ban, causing confusion on what exactly the Government’s position on the issue is.
The ban, expected to come into force by the end of the decade, is only on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, meaning second-hand cars will still be available for purchase.
Additionally, new hybrid cars, part petrol and part electric cars can be sold until 2035.