"The commitment to phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and all new cars and vans to be zero emission by 2035 is an integral part of the 2050 net-zero target.

"However, there are current concerns surrounding the cost and availability of new electric vehicles as well as the infrastructure for charging them which is why it was important to hold a Westminster Hall debate on this topic.

"During the debate I highlighted concerns about the 300,000 EV charge points by 2030 and the widespread disparities in the geographical distribution of them across the country. We need a framework in place about how we meet this target and further grants made available.

"A large focus of the debate was on the worldwide shortage in supply of available vehicles and absence of a second-hand market. The average waiting time currently is seven months and high upfront cost of electric vehicles act as a 'serious deterrent' to people making the switch without significant spare resources in their household budget.

"While I, and many of my constituents, back the phasing out of combustion cars as a move to support the commitment to being net-zero by 2050, there remain legitimate concerns that the 2035 target is attainable."

 "Many of my constituents in Wimbledon have made the switch to an electric vehicle. However, more needs to be done to support those making the change and to encourage others to do so.

"The Government has targeted 300,000 EV public charging points in the UK by 2030. As of 1 January 2023, there were 37,055. We must establish effective strategies to deliver the infrastructure we need for the future including public private partnerships, presumption in planning and potential changes to local byelaws. 

"Local authorities must have the power to build the charging points they need whilst being held accountable to their delivery targets and installing more on-street charging for those without their own driveway.

"We must achieve net-zero by 2050. Road emissions make up 25% of UK greenhouse gas emissions and must be reduced. Improving and increasing EV charging infrastructure is a prerequisite to meeting our climate change ambitions."