Restating its call to become the “greenest Government ever”, the document highlighted the policies and decisions already announced but stated that environment issues were a top priority despite the economy.

“We understand that in tough economic times, when families are struggling to make ends meet, the environment can seem like a second order issue, and we are determined to meet our environmental commitments at the lowest possible cost to British families and businesses” it stated.

Underlining the Government’s climate change strategy, the review angered green associations for not providing any new commitments to leadership on climate change.

Commenting on the review, Friends of the Earth’s Executive Director Andy Atkins says: “Blue and yellow hasn’t produced green. David Cameron’s pledge to lead the ‘greenest Government ever’ is being systematically undermined by short-sighted policies, not least its reckless dash for gas.”

Adding to this, chief climate change adviser at WWF-UK, Keith Allott, said: “The coalition’s mid-term programme states once again that climate change is one of the gravest threats we face, and that this will be the ‘greenest government ever'”.

“But the document offers no new policies for renewable energy or energy efficiency at home, and no commitments to leadership on climate change in Europe and internationally. Instead, it offers tax breaks for the fossil fuel industry.

“David Cameron said today that the coalition still has “a full tank of gas.” Unfortunately, it appears determined to burn it rather than embracing the full opportunities of a greener future based on renewable energy,” he adds.

Leigh Stringer

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