ichael Gove has warned towards making tackling local weather change a “religious crusade” after the Tories narrowly gained a by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip by opposing the growth of Ulez.

The levelling up minister stated he supported strikes to encourage folks to stroll and cycle extra however that some automotive journeys are very important.

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Gove stated the growth of the cost for polluting vehicles to outer London was “unwise”.

“One of the dangers - I don't think Labour are alive to this at all – is that if people think that you are treating the cause of the environment as a religious crusade, in which you’re dividing the world into goodies and baddies, then you alienate the support that you need for thoughtful environmentalism.”

Labour overturned an enormous 20,000 Conservative majority within the North Yorkshire seat of Selby and Ainsty however fell quick in Uxbridge by 495 votes.

Read More

Sir Keir Starmer held talks with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan on Saturday and urged him to “reflect” on proposals to extend Ulez to all London boroughs. It currently only applies to central London and the areas up to, but not including, the North and South Circular Roads.

Mr Gove cited Dutch protests over emissions laws as causes for ministers to be cautious of urgent forward with environmental laws too shortly.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir have been on Saturday urged to not water down environmental commitments regardless of the Conservatives’ success within the by-election.

Tory MPs have known as for Mr Sunak to re-examine the Government’s pledge for the UK to have a internet zero carbon economic system by 2050.

But Chris Skidmore, the UK Government’s internet zero tsar, warned ministers towards “playing politics” with environmental points, arguing it may value the Tories in the long term.

The Conservative MP stated: “To do so would not only be deeply regrettable, it would be an abdication of responsible government that must put the lives and health of the public, and the opportunity for economic growth by investing in industries of the future, ahead of gamesmanship.

“It is also really bad politics, given that the environment and taking action on climate change consistently polls third in the issues that voters care about.”