THE leader of the Green Party in Bradford has described Rishi Sunak and his Government as "out of touch with reality" - after the Prime Minister announced a string of U-turns on critical targets to tackle climate change.

Mr Sunak this week said he would delay a ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by five years.

He also confirmed a weakening of targets to eliminate gas boilers - while plans to force landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of properties have been scrapped.

The Prime Minister said he remains committed to the UK reaching its net zero target by 2050, however. Net zero means a country does not add any additional greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

But Tong ward Councillor Matt Edwards, leader of the Green Party on Bradford Council, hit out at Mr Sunak's policy changes.

Cllr Edwards told the T&A: "The announcement from the Prime Minister was another example of just how out of touch with reality he and his Government really is.

"The majority of the public are extremely concerned about the environment and want clear leadership and action on the climate.

"The best way tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions is by making homes more energy efficient, investing in renewable energy and making sustainable transport more affordable - which are just the things he has said he wants to cut.

"But not only would these help the UK meet its commitment to net zero - they would really help the thousands of households right here in Bradford that are struggling with the cost of living crisis through cheaper bills while also creating thousands of new jobs.

"This Government really needs to take responsibility and lead the way by investing in the green transition, rather than putting the burden on to us - the public.

"And let's not pretend there isn’t the money around to make this happen - the Government is currently spending billions of pounds subsidising the fossil fuel industry, or the aviation industry which is actively making the climate crisis worse, costing us all billions more in the process."

Mr Sunak's announcement was also criticised by the Climate Change Committee, which said the UK had "moved backwards".

The Prime Minister insisted he was taking a "more pragmatic, proportionate and realistic approach that eases the burdens on families" - and claimed other politicians were not being honest about the cost of green policies on individuals.