New government 'must stay focused on environment'

Whichever party wins the general election on May 6th must ensure that the environment remains a top priority.

This is according to the Aldersgate Group, an influential coalition of MPs, environmental organisations and leading companies, which warned policymakers against putting green issues on the backburner while they deal with the deficit.

In a report entitled Accelerating the Transition: Priorities for the first 100 days of the new government, it stated that a green investment bank must be established at the earliest opportunity.

The group also called for a strategy to help develop the low carbon industry.

"It is imperative that the new government tackles low carbon and resource efficiency issues immediately, to help place the UK firmly on the path to recovery," said Aldersgate Group chair Peter Young.

Members of the organisation currently include BT, Friends of the Earth, the Institute for European Environmental Policy and Pepsico UK and Ireland.

Written by Joseph Hutton