BRITAIN’S richest 1 per cent could see their taxes upped in an attempt to finance a just transition away from fossil fuels if a Budget amendment at Westminster is passed by MPs. 

As talks at the Glasgow Cop26 summit got under way today, Labour MP Richard Burgon submitted an amendment to the Westminster government Budget calling for an increase in taxes on high earners. 

The plans would affect those earning over £150,000, who pay the “additional rate” of tax, whose rate of income tax would increase from 45 per cent to 55 per cent.

Mr Burgon said the proposal would help meet Britain’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

The MP said: “We need widespread reform to our tax system to tackle the damaging overconsumption, frequent flying and use of gas-guzzling vehicles by the very wealthiest people.

“Everybody must play their part in driving down emissions. But to be a just transition, it’s only right that the very richest who have caused the greatest climate damage pay the greatest share.”

Speaking in Glasgow during Cop26, Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, told the Morning Star her party would like to see the introduction of a carbon tax as part of a series of measures to ensure a just transition. 

This, she said, was a policy which is highly popular with voters and could be gradually increased from a high level to overhaul the economy. 

She said: “The UK government keeps on claiming that we are world leaders. I don’t think the UK government can claim credit for a lot of the good things that are going on here. 

“Now our job is to keep up the pressure to make sure we are world leaders in action, not in promises.”