The prime minister’s plan to push back the target year for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has been heavily criticised by local politicians.

Rishi Sunak announced today that the 2030 ban on the sale of diesel and petrol cars will be pushed back until 2035.

He said: “It cannot be right to impose such significant costs on working people,” and claimed there had been no “meaningful democratic debate” on how the UK achieves ‘net zero’.

He added: “The risk here to those of us who care about reaching net zero, as I do, is simple – if we continue down this path we risk losing the consent of the British people.”

Former PM Boris Johnson criticised Sunak and said the UK ‘cannot afford to falter now or in any way lose our ambition for this country’.

Ford, a leader in the worldwide car industry, criticised pushing it back as it may dissuade people from buying electric cars.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, told the BBC that high demand for electric cars within the UK is needed if more are to be built in the country.

He said: “You want to build close to where you sell, so you need a strong market here in the UK to help secure future investment.

“The concern now is, does this cause consumers to delay their purchase?”

Simon Stiell of the UN told Sunak yesterday evening (September 19): “No G7 country has yet over-delivered on climate, is turning away from climate action in 2023 really leadership?”

Earlier today, home secretary Suella Braverman refused to commit to the 2030 goal and warned against ‘arbitrary’ and ‘punitive’ targets.

Speaking on LBC, Braverman said that while the government is committed to achieving net zero, it shouldn’t come at an unnecessary cost: “We’ve got to remember these targets are goals, not straitjackets, and we’re not going to save the planet by bankrupting the British people.”

Criticising the move, Julie Minns, Carlisle’s Labour candidate for the next general election, said: “Time and time again Rishi Sunak shows that he is too weak to take the serious and necessary decisions our country needs.

“Not only is the commitment to phase out petrol and diesel cars right for the environment, it’s right for our economy.

“It’s ironic that a year after Liz Truss’ disastrous mini budget crashed the economy, Rishi Sunak proves he’s equally reckless.

“The car-making industry needs certainty not chaos.

“Labour has a serious plan for growth that will lower energy prices, create new green jobs and protect the environment.

“Rishi Sunak asks if we want to change our country or carry on as we are, but every poll tells him people are not happy to carry on with his Government.

“He says he wants to make the right decisions for our country, but the only decision that's right for our country is to call a general election and end the Conservative chaos."

Gavin Hawkton, Carlisle’s Green candidate for the next general election, said: “This is a grave mistake and another indication that the Conservative Party is unfit to govern as it continues to put its own narrow interests first.

"A transition to net zero is a vital part in not only addressing climate change but also reducing our energy bills, generating investment and employment that could be directed to Cumbria if only we had the political will to do so."