Huhne to use first EU meeting to show support for 30 per cent emissions cuts

The meeting of EU Environment Ministers taking place in Luxembourg will be discussing proposals by the European Commission to increase the current target for a 20 per cent cut in EU greenhouse gas emissions.

"I’ll be using my first meeting of EU environment ministers to make clear the new UK Government’s support for ambitious European action on climate change, including a 30 per cent cut in EU emissions," said Huhne ahead of the meeting. "The Commission’s recent analysis provides a welcome starting point as we discuss how to implement a higher target."

He said Europe could be "ahead of the game" on the low carbon economy by moving to a 30 per cent cut in emissions. "[It is] achievable, right for the climate and right for our economies as Europe focuses on a sustainable economic recovery," he said.

The meeting today will also discuss the international climate negotiations, something Huhne said Europe should take a lead on.