John Healey is accused of a 'shameless tax raid' over plans for a 'green tax' on imported petrol in Wednesday's Budget

From the Newshound archive · first published 25 October 2026.

The levy, a 'carbon border adjustment mechanism', would load imported petrol and diesel with the net-zero charges British refineries already pay. It could appear in Wednesday's Budget, with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh reportedly pushing for it. Diesel broke £2 a litre for the first time this month. Motorists have already paid an extra £10billion at the pumps since the Iran war began.

TaxPayers' Alliance boss John O'Connell called it 'little more than a tariff' on families.

Paymaster general James Murray told Parliament ministers are weighing its 'feasibility and impacts'.

Fuel duty is frozen only until 31 December, and no extension has been confirmed.