The government has announced that Andrew Mitchell, who speaks for Cameron in the Commons, “has been given the honorific title of Deputy Foreign Secretary.” Not one of the plebs, promise!
Of course Mitchell was previously only the paltry Minister of State for Development and Africa. DFS – brings a whole new meaning to ‘sofa government’…
Michael Gove has insisted the government’s plan to ban new diesel and petrol cars will come into effect from 2030 after all, despite Andrew Mitchell stalling on the issue yesterday morning, and Rishi Sunak himself prevaricating on the question just hours later. As of today, it’s still pedal to the metal according to Gove…
Speaking on Times Radio, the Levelling Up Secretary gave an “absolute guarantee” the ban was going ahead:
“I do agree that it’s important that the government does press ahead with thoughtful and important steps in order to safeguard the environment…”
Asked if it was “immovable“, Gove gave an unequivocal yes – twice. Something two of his government colleagues didn’t do yesterday…
The government’s policy to ban new petrol cars by 2030 appeared to stall this morning, as Andrew Mitchell couldn’t confirm they would stick to the eco-austerity plan. Speaking on the Today programme, Mitchell spluttered when asked if the ban would remain in place for the future:
“All I can tell you is it is in place… But I’m afraid I can’t prophesy for the future”.
Start your engines…
