Recently, the Tories have flip-flopped on yet another policy – net zero. The scaled back plans will:

• Push back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035.
• Scrap requirements for landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties.

Rishi Sunak claims doing this will save costs for hard-pressed British families. But, he fails to address how costly imported gas for cars and homes, insecurity for businesses in the UK, and worse air quality will save households any money.

Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) finds that the step back in these policies will cost households nearly £8bn in higher bills over the next decade.

Last year, the UK faced one of the coldest winters on record. During the Tory-led cost-of-living crisis, record households were forced into fuel poverty but the Prime Minister has instead, prioritised changing policies that were in place to help households and the planet.

The Climate Change Committee has repeatedly told the Government the UK was not on track to reach net zero by 2050 – an ambitious plan I was delighted to support. Labour has committed to going even further, committing to zero-carbon electricity by 2030 to speed up the net zero goal. You can read Labour’s fully costed and ambitious climate plan here.

I am stunned Rishi Sunak chose to announce these policy changes during Parliamentary recess instead of being held accountable by Members of Parliament. It continues to demonstrate the lack of transparency and accountability this Government has, which is entirely unacceptable.

Myself and the Labour Party are committed to pressuring the Government to reverse these recent announcements. I will do all I can to make it clear that residents in Manchester, Gorton want a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable country in which they benefit from lower household bills and initiatives to keep the local community healthy.