Half of EU Members Oppose Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panel Imports

Including the U.K. and Germany

The UK and Germany are among at least 14 European Union members opposed to punitive tariffs on Chinese solar panel imports, according to diplomats.

The revelation, made on Monday, shows a split among the EU bloc's 27 members.

The European Commission - the EU's executive arm - argues that Chinese firms are unfairly undercutting rivals.

It claimed China was pressuring members to oppose the duties, a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel hinted in favour of a negotiated agreement.