France and UK warm to green taxes

France and Britain will press their European partners in September 2007 to boost environmental awareness among consumers through tax incentives. Following a promise in July 2007 by Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s president, and Gordon Brown, UK prime minister, to use tax policy in the battle against global warming, the two governments are developing details of the controversial plan. The initiative has been welcomed by environmental groups but could face resistance from industry and other member states, including Germany.