Stormy weather ahead for the environment - Baker

Stormy weather, large-scale flooding and uncomfortable summer heatwaves are all on the way due to the effects of climate change in Britain, Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, warned today.

Speaking at the first Commons debate on the environment in nearly two years, called by the Lib Dems today, Mr Baker slammed the Government for its consistent inaction over environmental policy.

Mr Baker said:

"The Government knows the scale of the problems facing Britain, but is failing to stand up to the challenge.

"Tony Blair's response to the threat of climate change is to acknowledge its importance in the 'very long term'. But climate change is with us now, and accelerating.

"Already species are disappearing. Already the polar ice-caps are melting. Already we are seeing wild swings in our weather patterns.

"There is so much that can and must be done and the Government must lead the way. Environmental problems will not go away, they will only get worse."