Carbon budgets

The government has laid out its long-term plans for cutting carbon emissions - but has given itself a significant get-out clause in doing so.

Campaigners say the decision to review the plans to reduce CO2 emissions in early 2014 if the EU does not keep up with Britain's ambitious pace fundamentally undermines the commitment.

Energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne yesterday updated the Commons on the government's fourth carbon budget, which will cover the five-year period to 2027.

Ministers have accepted the recommendations of the independent Committee on Climate Change - but Mr Huhne said that Britain could change its approach if Europe does not cut emissions fast enough.