Dozens of UK Labour MPs have written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior Cabinet ministers calling for a review of key Net Zero policies, amid concerns over the impact on British car manufacturing and jobs.
According to GB News today, between 30 and 40 Labour MPs — more than one in 10 of the parliamentary party — signed the letter addressed to Starmer, chancellor Rachel Reeves, transport secretary Heidi Alexander and business secretary Peter Kyle.
The MPs are pressing the government to reconsider the 2030 target to end sales of new petrol and diesel cars in favour of electric vehicles.
Mansfield MP Steve Yemm, one of the signatories, told GB News’ Chopper’s Political Podcast that the strict timetable risks forcing UK carmakers to shed jobs as electric vehicle (EV) sales remain sluggish.
The letter highlights fears that rigid adherence to the deadline could damage the domestic automotive industry at a time when the sector is already under pressure from global competition and supply-chain challenges.
The intervention comes as the Labour government continues to champion its “green” agenda, with energy secretary Ed Miliband overseeing plans to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”.
Critics within the party argue that the pace of transition must take greater account of economic realities and the need to protect existing employment in traditional manufacturing.
This is not the first time Labour MPs have expressed reservations about the speed or cost of Net Zero measures.
Previous letters and public statements from backbenchers and ex-ministers have called for easing levies on oil and gas producers or ensuring communities are not left behind in the shift to renewables.
The latest move reflects growing unease in some Labour constituencies, particularly those with industrial or automotive links, over the potential trade-offs between climate targets and safeguarding livelihoods.
Downing Street has so far given no detailed public response to the letter.
Starmer has repeatedly defended the Net Zero strategy as essential for long-term energy security, lower bills and future job creation, while acknowledging the need for a pragmatic approach to growth.
The letter remains private and the precise number of signatories has not been officially confirmed by Downing Street or the signatories themselves.
A Department for Transport spokesperson told GBNews that EV’s are historically cheap and easy to buy, indicating this was the way forward.
“One in four cars sold now is electric. Industry is on track to meet the mandate and last year we introduced flexibilities to make it easier for manufacturers who can now comply in several ways – not just through ZEV sales.
“We’re investing over £7.5 billion to support EV manufacturing and our Electric Car Grant is boosting sales, with over 80,000 supported to buy a new EV to date,” the spokesperson said.
“This week we announced a £1 billion [€1.1 billion] package to put more electric vans and trucks on the road – backing production whilst cutting upfront costs and unlocking major savings for UK businesses.”
The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has called on the UK Labour Government to scrap its ban on new North Sea exploration licences and bring the Energy Profits Levy to an orderly end. https://t.co/MmULnh1L9R
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) February 13, 2026
