An object lesson in bad government

Yesterday was another object lesson in bad government. A divided party, leaking and briefing against each other, emergency cabinet meetings and desperate policy announcements on the hoof.
Businesses need stability and confidence in order to invest. So it is no surprise that they are up in arms after Rishi Sunak weakened and kicked the can down the road on his Government’s own targets to reduce the UK’s harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s not very often I agree with Boris Johnson but he was right yesterday when he said that businesses “must have certainty about our Net Zero commitments”

Representatives of UK manufacturing said this “sends exactly the wrong message… we aren’t looking forward, we’re going backwards.”
Ford motors pleaded: ‘Our business needs three things from the UK govt: ambition, commitment & consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three.’

Indeed, Rishi Sunak himself only a matter of weeks ago said he had no intention of ditching the 2030 target date, with number 10 arguing the target has been critical in securing investment in EV manufacturing and supply chains.

Was he wrong then or is he wrong now?

It is no wonder businesses feel betrayed.

This is bad for business, bad for jobs, bad for household energy costs and bad for our environment.

Nobody (not even his own party) voted for Rishi Sunak and he has no mandate for the ditching of these commitments. He should do the right thing and call a general election.