Merlene writes to local press ahead of Copenhagen Summit and challenges H&F Council to take the 10:10 pledge

12.00.00pm GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

"The upcoming summit in Copenhagen is a vital staging post in the international fight to reduce carbon emissions. But with its poor track record the UK Government won't have the credibility to help push through a good deal.

Labour has failed to cut emissions in the past and refuses to commit to what science demands in the future. We are still at the bottom of the European league table for levels of renewable energy, only above Malta and Luxembourg. The level of Green taxation has actually fallen whilst Labour have been in government.

The Conservatives are no better. Cameron talks the talk on the environment but his party are unwilling to take the tough policy choices that are needed. They have refused to sign up to targets for cutting emissions nationally. Neither Boris Johnson nor our Hammersmith & Fulham Council have signed up to reduce carbon emissions by 10% by 2010.

The Liberal Democrats are different. We are the only major party in UK politics who have committed to ambitious and detailed plans to cut carbon emissions. And we deliver on our commitments with more Liberal Democrat councils than either of the other two parties having signed up to the 10:10 campaign.

We also have clear policies that will make Britain carbon neutral by 2050. We will reduce emissions faster and more effectively than any other party. Liberal Democrats will make sure that every home is properly insulated within 10 years of taking power.

"There is only a small window of opportunity to stop dangerous climate change. Only the Liberal Democrats will take it."