Kennedy: Government must make tough choices on environment

Responding to comments by Shell Chairman Lord Oxburgh that climate change makes him "really very worried about the planet", Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats said:

"Lord Oxburgh's comments show there is growing consensus among scientists, industrialists and environmentalists on the need to address climate change.

The Prime Minister has the opportunity to take the lead within the G8 and Europe, but the signs are not good. In 7 years he has never made the environment a political priority.

Climate change cannot be addressed through good will alone, but the Government seems unable to take the tough choices required to manage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 3 out of the last 4 years Britain's greenhouse gas emissions have actually risen.

Until the Prime Minister engages seriously with the green agenda, Britain will be part of the problem not the solution".