UK turning the tide on global carbon output
BRITAIN is slashing carbon emissions by striking environmentally friendly trade deals with other countries, Liz Truss said yesterday.
The International Trade Secretary pointed to a zero-tariff deal with Australia, due to be finalised by the end of the year, which will pave the way for cleaner shipping.
Sharing
She told MPs that the UK must “look to the future” where shipping, as well as air travel, will be carbon neutral.
She added: “In many cases it can be more environmentally friendly trading these products than producing them locally.
“For example, New Zealand produces lamb with a very low carbon footprint – actually the climate change footprint of shipping is very low –
so their imports into Europe actually have less impact on the climate.
“The best way to achieve our climate goals is through more trade, through sharing innovation and through reaching our net zero targets in collaboration with other countries.”
She added that by selling produce, such as
pigs trotters to China, the UK can reduce wasted food that British shoppers do not want to eat.
A government green paper on climate-friendly trade deals will be published soon, she said.
The Australia deal will remove £124million in tariffs paid by UK exporters each year.
But British farmers fear being undercut on meat.