Green campaigners condemn review of Europe's emissions trading

Commissioner for climate action and energy says restructuring scheme will clean up planet while safeguarding the interests of business

Some of Europe's heaviest polluters are in line for a160bn (112bn) of free carbon permits under a planned restructuring of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), a key weapon in the fight against climate change.

The European commission is proposing to reduce the number of free allowances and the companies eligible for them in a move condemned as too harsh by the British steel industry but too weak by green campaigners.