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Carbon Emissions: UK Relations with EU

Asked by Dr Al PinkertonLiberal DemocratDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 24 December 2025UIN 100579

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of negotiating an emissions trading scheme linkage with the European Union to reduce the costs of achieving net zero.

Answered by Chris McDonald

Linking the UK and EU Emission Trading Schemes (ETSs) is expected to reduce costs for UK businesses by providing a cheaper path to net zero. Access to a larger, more liquid and stable carbon market will provide UK business with greater price certainty which will support investment.

Linking will also deliver a reduction in costs for UK businesses and lower barriers to trade through providing the conditions for an exemption from the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

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