UK ready to torpedo EU climate change bill

BRITAIN is threatening the future of EU climate change legislation after a “Brexit no deal” clause was added to a bill being voted on in Brussels this week.

The clause would ban British industry from selling its carbon emission allowances on the market after Brexit in the event of no deal.

Each year the EU distributes carbon allowances to its members to sell to industry. Unused carbon permits, each equivalent to a million tons of carbon emissions, can be traded on the market as an incentive for polluting industries to go green.

British representatives could back a Polish-led coali- tion coal-addicted countries against members including Germany to scupper the bill, which would delay reforms to the Emissions Trading System (ETS).

If the bill fails to pass, it would be the first time Britain has used its voting powers in the EU as an outlet for its frustrations with deadlocked Brexit negotiations.

The “Brexit clause” would stop “British” carbon allowances flooding the market.

Britain, which has pledged to live up to its UN climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, has put forward an alternative proposal to push back the annual day for distribution to after Brexit day. UK officials argue the clause will sap confidence in the market. of