The Government has faced harsh criticism for reducing its support for renewable energy and carbon reduction schemes, particularly following promises made at the Paris Climate Change Conference.
As part of the conference, 195 countries have committed to an agreement that is aimed at limiting global warming to below 2°C while efforts will also be made to keep to 1.5°C.
David Cameron was among the world’s leaders who celebrated the deal, but his Government has faced criticism for cutting green energy subsidies for households and businesses, as well as scrapping a £1 billion national project to find a solution for burying carbon emissions.
Liberal Democrat Ed Davey, who was the former energy minister, has stated that the Government’s actions are illegal.
In an interview with Sky News, Mr Davey said: “The way they’ve cut the carbon capture storage programme – where the UK was one of the leaders in the world – is a national disgrace.
“They’ve still got to abide by law. The Climate Change Act still is in place.
“I’d call on George Osborne and the Government – make it clear your energy policies will be in line with Climate Change Act and the renewable energy directive from EU.
“If you don’t you’re actually breaking ministerial codes because you’ve got a legal obligation, Mr Osborne, to act legally and your energy policies are putting the Government in an illegal position in my view.”
Under the 2008 Climate Change Act, the UK Government has a legal obligation to reduce national carbon emissions by at least 80 per cent, by 2050.
However, despite the conference in Paris and the international promises made, it is feared that a lack of financial penalties means that there will be no way to encourage countries to stick to the agreements made.
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