Political reaction: Conservatives make pledge to increase 'green' taxes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A shift away from taxes on income and wealth to "green" taxation has been promised by the Conservative Party.
George Osborne, the shadow Chancellor, declined to spell out any detail but committed a future Tory government to raise the share of revenue raised by environmental taxes.
David Cameron has resisted pressure from Tory right-wingers to fight the next election on a firm pledge to cut income tax but the proposal might allow him to do so while at the same time boosting his green credentials.
Mr Osborne said yesterday: "Conservatives should take a lead in making the changes that are needed to promote green growth. I believe we in Britain should move some of the burden of taxation away from income and capital, and towards environmentally damaging behaviour."
Ed Balls, the Treasury minister, challenged Mr Osborne to spell out whether taxes on motorists should rise when petrol prices were so high.
He said: "If you are going to be a serious opposition you need to come along and say what are your proposals, how would you pay for them, and until then people won't take you seriously."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments