Michael Gove has warned against treating the environment as a “religious crusade” as he called for a relaxation of some net zero measures.

In an interview with The Telegraph, the Levelling Up and Housing Secretary cited Dutch protests over emissions regulations, saying that the “inflexible” application of rules designed to reduce pollution “leads to a backlash”.

In his own department, Mr Gove admits the Government is “asking too much too quickly” of landlords. They will currently be banned from renting out their homes unless they pay for green measures, such as insulation and heat pumps, to meet a new minimum energy efficiency threshold by 2028. 

Citing existing financial pressures on landlords, he added: “I think we should relax the pace.”

He also warned that Natural England, the environment quango, must “pause” a push to block new housing near more than 330 designated areas across the country unless councillors agree to introduce green schemes such as ultra-low emission zones (Ulez) and low-traffic neighbourhoods.