New polling data ahead of the autumn statement reveals that the majority of UK manufacturers support a carbon border tax (CBAM).
The study by Stack data strategy and E3G, which spoke to 400 people in upper management roles within manufacturing, reveals that three quarters of UK manufacturers (73%) back the UK in introducing a CBAM, and the research found that fewer than one in ten opposed it.
UK manufacturers also strongly backed EU alignment with 70% of respondents believing any future UK carbon border measure should be aligned with the European scheme; two thirds (67%) believed that the UK should align its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) with the EU ETS.
Eight in ten (77%) of manufacturers said they were concerned about the negative impacts of climate change on their business operationsman, whilst over half (55%) said they believe that the UK government is not doing enough on green issues and the environment.
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In addition, the research showed that over six in ten (62%) of businesses supported plans for the funds to be used to support developing countries in decarbonising their manufacturing process.
The study comes as Rishi Sunak’s net zero u-turn, and decision to expand North Sea oil and gas drilling have been criticised, with many swing voters citing “green growth” as important to the future of the UK economy.
“A carbon border adjustment mechanism is clearly the right fit for the UK industry. However, we cannot ignore the legitimate international concerns that exist around carbon border measures. Many are concerned that a CBAM would negatively impact developing countries,” said E3G senior policy adviser Jonny Peters.
“Offering climate finance would help them adjust to higher UK standards,” he continued.
