Fuel duty cut for diesel cars was wrong, says ex-chief science adviser

David King, who served Labour and Tory governments, says he was misled by car industry over levels of diesel pollution

The former chief scientific adviser has admitted it was wrong to cut fuel duty on diesel vehicles after being hoodwinked by the car industry, as the mayor of London launched a crackdown on vehicle pollution.

David King, who until last week served Labour and Tory governments as special representative for climate change, said he was misled by carmakers over the amount of poisonous nitrogen oxides (NOx) diesel cars would emit on the road.