PM ‘scraps’ meat tax policy idea in new plans for net zero
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that he is ruling out a proposed meat tax policy as part of his revised net zero plans.
In a public address at 10 Downing Street on the evening of 20th September, the PM stated that he has “scrapped” the proposal to “make you change your diet – and harm British farmers – by taxing meat.”
Alongside claims that he would scrap this proposal, Sunak also detailed his plans to rule out policy ideas such as mandatory car sharing, taxing commercial flights to discourage flying or having seven recycling bins to hit recycling targets. He stated that the removal of these ideas would prevent interference “in the way people live their lives.”
He detailed how reaching the UK’s decarbonisation targets should not come at the expense of British citizens who are continuing to face higher costs of living, particularly when the UK’s share of global emissions is less than 1%.
Sunak said: “This country is proud to be a world leader in reaching Net Zero by 2050. But we simply won’t achieve it unless we change.
“We’ll now have a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach that eases the burdens on families.
“All while doubling down on the new green industries of the future. In a democracy, that’s the only realistic path to Net Zero.”
This comes as the UK has set the target to reduce carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and is the only major economy to have set a target of 77% for 2035.
Emissions have already been slashed by 48% in the UK, compared to 41% in Germany, 23% in France and no change at all in the United States.
Sunak stated: “I am unequivocal that we’ll meet our international agreements including the critical promises in Paris and Glasgow to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
“I’m proud that our country leads the world on Net Zero, with the most ambitious 2030 target of any major economy.”
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