Rishi Sunak's net zero plans are in doubt as key green commitments risk being scrapped

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The government's net zero plans were turned upside down as officials put major green targets up for scrutiny and a minister suggested a key commitment could be watered down.

Downing Street was forced to insist its commitment to net zero by 2050 "stands", but the PM's spokesman said Rishi Sunak 'makes sure we listen to consumers and businesses'.

Plans which have come under scrutiny include shutting down gas boilers by 2035 and banning new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030.

Sunak's spokesman said both initiatives 'remain our commitment' but the prime minister said he wanted to make things 'easier' for households already struggling with the skyrocketing cost of living.

"I don't want to add to that, I want to make it easier," Mr. Sunak said.

He added, "So, yes, we're going to move towards net zero, but we're going to do it in a proportionate and pragmatic way that doesn't unnecessarily give people more hassle and more cost in their lives."

And, in a series of interviews with broadcasters, Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell initially backed away from pledging to keep the petrol and diesel ban in 2030, saying people should 'wait for any announcements' and that he could not 'prophesy for the future'. consumer green policies was highlighted by the Conservatives' narrow victory in the Uxbridge by-election, which was driven almost entirely by opposition to London Mayor Sadiq Khan's scrapped Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expansion.

The Times reported on Monday that officials are considering an "Aston Martin exemption" until the 2030 deadline, which would give smaller automakers more time to convert to electric vehicles.

Low-traffic neighborhoods also face a ban and owners will have more time to meet fuel efficiency targets, he said.

It came as Mr Sunak said he did not want the climate crisis policies "harass" families.