Growing number of Tory MPs join push for carbon levy on UK imports

Charges said to be needed to prevent UK companies being undercut by overseas manufacturers

The prospect of higher taxes is not usually viewed with joy by British businesses, or Conservative MPs - but when it comes to carbon, that is precisely what many are asking for.

A growing number of manufacturers, Tory MPs and experts are calling for charges to be levied on the carbon emissions associated with imports. They believe the levy is needed to create a level playing field that would enable UK companies to invest in cutting their greenhouse gas emissions, without finding themselves undercut by lower-cost but higher-carbon imports from overseas.