However, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the world was seeing the impact of climate change and warned any delay in green policies would be reckless.
He said: "We're seeing the impact of climate change across Europe and across the world. We have recently seen the hottest days in recorded history. The glaciers are melting, and temperatures rising faster than expected.
"Delaying the move away from fossil-fuel cars would be completely irresponsible. People want to see action, not a backwards step.
"We need to drive down the prices of electric and other zero emission vehicles so more people can afford them. Electric vehicles will have a lower sticker price than fossil-fuel cars within just a few years, but the costs have already fallen dramatically and will fall even more as the industry grows. Delaying the target would deter the investment and jobs and innovation we need to see."
And former Levelling Up Secretary Sir Simon Clarke argued the UK’s ambitious target to phase out new petrol and diesel cars was driving investment into Britain.
He said: "Jaguar Land Rover is investing £4 billion to build one of Europe's largest battery factories in the UK, creating 4,000 jobs. Thanks to our target driving innovation and investment, electric vehicles are already cheaper throughout their lifetime. Delaying the target risks losing UK jobs and industry overseas."