Labour's net-zero plans left in disarray after electric vehicle sales targets were blamed for the closure of Vauxhall's Luton factory putting more than 1,100 jobs at risk

Labour's net-zero plans were in chaos last night after electric car sales targets were blamed for the closure of a Vauxhall factory. Speaking at the trade body's annual dinner on Tuesday evening, Hawes told an audience: ‘Jobs are on the line.’ Rachel Hopkins, Labour MP for Luton South, said the closure was ‘deeply troubling for our town’, adding: ‘Luton depends on these high-quality manufacturing jobs to drive local growth and support national prosperity.’ Labour’s plans to ban new petrol and diesel cars sales by 2030 are now in chaos – as the sales targets were seen as key. Local Labour MP Rachel Hopkins said the closure was 'deeply troubling' Research by This is Money suggests some of the biggest car firms and groups are falling behind on targets for battery electric vehicle sales Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds pictured leaving Downing Street earlier today. The targets for ZEV car sales are: 2024: 22 per cent 2025: 28 per cent 2026: 33 per cent 2027: 38 per cent 2028: 52 per cent 2029: 66 per cent 2030: 80 per cent As of July, electric vehicle sales made up around 16.8 per cent of all new car sales in the UK in 2024.