'Glimmer of hope' from Labour

GREEN GROUPS SAY GOVERNMENT'S FIRST YEAR OFFERS A 'MIXED PICTURE'

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LABOUR'S environmental record after one year in office shows “glimmers of hope” but concerns remain over nature and anti-protest policies, green groups said.

Greenpeace UK and Friends of the Earth together assessed the party's progress on tackling the climate and nature crises ahead of Thursday, which marks one year since the general election.

The two groups said the Government's overall environmental record is a “mixed picture’.

Assessing key policy areas, they rated the Government highest for its progress on climate and energy because of Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s efforts to reposition the UK as a global climate leader and oversee the UK’s transition towards clean energy.

But the campaigners also criticised decisions to invest billions into nuclear power, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and roads, instead of funnelling more money towards carbon-cutting measures.

In terms of homes and transport, the groups welcomed investment in buses and railways, promotion of cleaner modes of transport and the requirement for landlords to raise energy efficiency standards.