MPs call for ban on petrol and diesel car sales by 2032

UK risks falling behind global switch to electric vehicles with 'unambitious' target of 2040, says committee

MPs have urged ministers to bring forward their ban on new petrol and diesel car sales by eight years to 2032, to avoid the UK being left "in the passenger seat" in the global switch to electric vehicles.

Government plans for a 2040 ban on fossil fuel-powered cars and vans across Britain were unambitious and did not even show leadership within the UK, given Scotland has set itself an earlier target, the business, energy and industrial strategy committee said.