MOST new cars and vans will have to be electric by 2030 if legal targets to cut greenhouse gases are to be met, the Committee on Climate Change warns in a new report published today.

The committee, an independent body set up by the 2008 Climate Change Act, said that the Tories have not gone far enough to meet statutory targets to cut greenhouse gases.

Committee chairman Lord Deben said car companies, oil and gas firms and housebuilders should “step up” and play a greater role in the shift to a green economy.

The committee said new homes should also be built to more energy-efficient standards to save people money on their bills and reduce emissions.

Lord Deben criticised construction firms for only doing the “absolute minimum” on energy-efficiency, saying the “people who suffer” from poorly insulated homes are the buyers who have to pay higher energy bills.

Tree-planting levels also need to be ramped up to create 173,000 acres of new woodlands by 2025, the committee said.

Friends of the Earth senior climate campaigner Simon Bullock stated that tougher action is needed to meet existing targets for slashing carbon emissions.

“The potential rewards are enormous: a revitalised economy driven by clean technology, while showing global leadership on tackling climate-wrecking pollution,” he said.

“Bold measures are needed from across all sectors, not just some. It’s no good just boosting renewables if the government continues to allow airport expansion, refuses to help homeowners insulate homes, and supports fracking and road-building.”