Automobile Industry: ZEV Mandate

Baroness Hayman Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Dacres of Lewisham (Lab)]

It sounds like we are moving to solar panel cars. We are looking into the interesting points that the right reverend Prelate makes. We are making sure that we are providing charging points, which is why we are spending the £100 million to ensure that we get that breadth of service. I am sure noble Lords will recall that the Government have said the UK grid is an important part of our country’s infrastructure. It is important not only for EV charging but for homes, business and all industries that use electricity. We need to make sure that our future electricity grid is sustainable and working for all.

[Baroness Hayman (CB)]

My Lords, the Minister gave some impressive figures about investment, but is the noble Baroness, Lady Parminter, not correct in saying that uncertainty and inconsistency in government policy is the thing that really threatens investment across the automotive industry and in charging? Can the Minister give some reassurance that we will not be in a position of continuous and running consultation on dates that need to be clear to give some sense of direction?

[Baroness Dacres of Lewisham (Lab)]

I would like to reassure the noble Baroness that the work we are doing to make sure that we have direction, and are clear, gives that surety to the industry so that it knows we are sure-footed and can have that confidence. Without confidence, we are not going to get the investment into the country for the automotive industry or for other industries. That is why we are investing £7.5 billion to help businesses, drivers and manufacturers. That surety will help to bring that investment in.