UK TO CUT EMISSIONS

Britain will crank up measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and introduce new policies to reduce emissions 34 percent by 2020.

The government?s Committee on Climate Change said that a step change in the pace of underlying emissions reductions is required if the UK is to meet its legislated carbon budgets," the body said in a statement.

The committee has presented its report on Britain's progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions to parliament calling for faster progress in implementing policies including those concerning loft and cavity wall insulation, new car efficiency and encouraging the use of public transport.

A report commissioned by the Conservative Party when in opposition proposed setting up a "green bank" to fund renewable energy projects and action to curb fossil fuel use. If approved, the green bank would be funded by consumer levies, the sale of emissions permits to industry and new green investment products.