The PM's change in tone has emboldened some Tories to call for an overhaul of the key climate target.
"I think Uxbridge is a bit of a turning point," Craig Mackinlay, chairman of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group of MPs and peers pushing for the target to be rethought, told the BBC.
In their latest initiative, net-zero sceptic Tory MPs have been pressing the prime minister to "rethink" the government's proposed ban on petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. Opinion polls back this up, suggesting climate action that involves personal costs or changes to lifestyle is not popular. Scaling up those commitments to deliver net zero is what many Conservatives would like to see. The 2050 target enjoys broad support within Mr Sunak's party.
Still, with living costs soaring to historic highs, and a general election expected next year, the sceptical voices are straining to make their voices heard. The party's leader, Richard Tice, says Mr Sunak's recent announcements were "waffle to create a gap with Labour".
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