The government will reportedly unveil new proposals on “Energy Security Day” to hit net zero by 2050.

ELN understands that Energy Secretary Grant Shapps will announce a consultation on a new system of “carbon border taxes” to protect UK manufacturers from countries with lax environmental rules.

The carbon border taxes will initially target energy-intensive products and hydrogen from non-EU countries.

The plan is expected to ensure a “level playing field” for domestic producers and encourage other countries to switch to renewables.

The government will also offer grants worth hundreds of pounds to middle-income households to make their homes more energy efficient under the new “Great British insulation scheme”.