It comes despite a slowdown in nightclub closures over the past year, with a net reduction of 13 venues in 2024.

Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge and advisory board member of EVUK, said: “The fact that Stellantis has hit their Zev mandate for 2024 shows what we’ve always said – the mandate is achievable.

Ferocious winds that drove the flames have calmed somewhat and were not expected to be as powerful during the day on Thursday.

Police are re-appealing for information after a woman after a woman was hit by car on the A1(M) near Welwyn Garden City.