Gordon Brown has said he will push for lower taxes on environmentally friendly products across the European Union.

Brown said the UK and France would seek to persuade other nations of the need for an EU-wide cut on VAT levied on less polluting goods.

The British Prime Minister made the pledge during his first meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The European Commission welcomed the initiative but said it would require agreement from all 27 member states.

Speaking in Paris,Brown said market mechanisms were needed to encourage consumers to buy greener products such as low-energy fridges and insulation materials.