Rishi Sunak’s decision to delay a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by five years to 2035 has prompted a backlash from the UK automotive industry, which warned it would undermine investment certainty.

The UK prime minister’s sudden shift in green policy on Wednesday will be digested in automotive boardrooms across the world and complicate their plans to boost EV sales in the country this decade.

“This U-turn will cause a huge headache for manufacturers, who are crying out for clarity and consistency,” said Ian Plummer, a former Renault and Volkswagen executive who is commercial director at online marketplace AutoTrader. “And it is hardly going to encourage the vast majority of drivers who are yet to buy an electric car to make the switch.”