Green economy must not be 'drag anchor' says climate change minister

Greg Barker, minister for climate change, warned that the green economy must not become a “drag anchor” on growth following chancellor George Osborne’s announcement that UK CO2 emissions will not lead Europe.

Speaking at the conference on Tuesday, Barker said that the green economy must be “recalibrated”.

He said; “I remain optimistic about the future of the green economy. But we need to be realistic about how it will generate wealth and not become a drag anchor on growth.”

Barker’s comments add fuel to the fire over claims that the government is backtracking on green policy and watering down carbon targets. They follow Osborne saying the UK government will only cut emissions in line with other European countries.