The Northern Ireland secretary, campaigning to become deputy prime minister under Gordon Brown, also suggested “innovative ways” were needed to stop the super-wealthy “racing away” from those on average incomes.

Hain advocates introducing “progressive” green taxes to hit those on big incomes hardest, rather than slapping levies on flights, petrol and rubbish.

“I wouldn’t rule out progressive taxes on the green agenda,” he said in an interview with GMTV’s The Sunday Programme. “That’s a matter for the chancellor. What I am saying is just be very careful that we’re not ignoring the need for social justice.

“I’m just saying a knee-jerk banging £20 on an EasyJet or Ryanair flight, which is where David Cameron seems to be, is not really the answer.”

Hain also hit at the super-rich and big City bonuses. “There is a problem about those right at the top just racing away over the horizon and those on average and below-average incomes staying behind. We need to find a way of addressing that.”

The chancellor is set to reject calls for green taxes in this month’s pre-budget report. He is likely to push the need for global co-operation and energy efficiency in his response to the Stern report on the economics of climate change.

Thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square, London, yesterday to seek urgent action on climate change.

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