Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the greenest of them all?

For the last month you have heard all sorts of spin from the David Cameron and the Conservatives about how much they care about the environment. There was not much evidence that they cared much during the many years of Tory Whitehall rule.

New Labour's environmental initiatives have been responses to European Union directives.

Liberal Democrat General Election manifestos of 2001 and 2005 both included 'green action points' in every section, underlining the party's commitment to integrating environmental policy throughout all policy areas rather than seeing it an add-on extra.

An overall commitment to a 20 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2010 (from 1990) and 60 per cent by 2050.

Support for renewable energy (a target of 20 per cent of electricity generation by 2020), no replacement of nuclear stations, and investment in energy-saving measures in all housebuilding, particularly for pensioners and disabled people.

An integrated public transport policy with greater expenditure on rail before roads, reform of the vehicle excise duty system to promote more fuel-efficient cars, the extension of congestion charging nationwide, and reform of aviation taxes.

The conversion of the Climate Change Levy into a Carbon Tax, and a Treasury-led 'environmental incentive programme'.

Working through the EU to promote sustainable development at the international level, including in particular opening negotiations on the next round of targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

The Tory claim to be opening a debate is rubbish. Lib Dems have been promoting green issues since the party's foundation. Our problem is that the media is only interested in having a Tory and Labour argument and only call Lib Dem Lib Dem spokespersons when they think there is a hint of scandal about. We are a 'Green Party': this is why we oppose incinerators and are in favour of recycling.