The UK Nuclear Industry Association has joined forces with over 40 other industry bodies in calling on the UK government to start the process of linking the new UK emissions trading system (ETS) with the EU’s ETS as soon as possible.

In a letter to prime minister Boris Johnson, the trade associations said linkage would “benefit both parties and allow the UK to reach net zero faster and more cost effectively,” reaffirming the “UK and the EU as climate leaders, and show that the UK remains a strong advocate for international carbon markets” ahead of COP26.

The letter also said that a linkage would “align decarbonisation pathways, create a stable environment for investment into low-carbon alternatives, and show continued UK leadership in tackling climate change.”