Lib Dems suspend cross-party talks

1.11.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Jun 2006

Chris Huhne, Lib Dem shadow environment secretary visiting Green-Works recycled furniture depot

The Liberal Democrats have suspended participation in a cross-party approach to climate change after Conservatives failed to reach agreement on the development of specific policies.

Talks were led by Lib Dem shadow environment secretary, Chris Huhne, in an effort to negotiate a joint submission to the all-party climate change group which is enquiring into the cross-party approach.

Chris Huhne said: "We could not even get the Conservatives to agree that green taxes should rise as a percentage of national income, even though the leading countries in this field all levy more than we do as a way of changing behaviour. It is all very well agreeing to targets, but you have to have some idea of how you are going to meet them if you are going to be taken seriously."

Lib Dem Leader, Sir Menzies Campbell said: "When the Conservatives have some specific ideas to discuss, we will be happy to look at participation again. Nuclear power, fuel duty, vehicle excise duty and the climate change levy are all areas where we believe we have to make a judgement now...but the Conservatives are unable to commit.

To read more about Lib Dem policy on the environment go to: http://www.libdems.org.uk/environment/

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Friends of the Earth poll.