According to MPs the level of carbon emissions from goods imported and consumed within the UK is rising, whilst domestic levels of emissions are declining.

MPs warn that outsourcing emissions will damage the UK’s reputation and carbon emissions record. Between 1990 and2008 domestic emissions fell by 19% as a result of switching from coal to gas for electricity; however the carbon emissions footprint based on UK consumption rose by 20% in the same period.

Energy and Climate Change Committee chairman Tim Yeo said: "Successive governments have claimed to be cutting climate change emissions, but in fact a lot of pollution has simply been outsourced. We get through more consumer goods than ever before in the UK and this is pushing up emissions in manufacturing countries like China."

MPs are now calling for a new deal on climate change.