Tony Blair has promised to make tackling climate change the focus of the UK G8 presidency next year. The prime minister was giving a keynote speech on global warming in London, at an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Prince of Wales' environmental initiative. He argued that only international action will get to grips with the global problem.

Britain will push for the world's wealthiest nations to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as they are responsible for producing the majority of pollution.

Party Response: Liberal Democrat

Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat environment spokesman said: "How many hurricanes and tornadoes will it take for the prime minister to realise that paying lip service to the environment is just no use?

"Tony Blair will say he wants to focus on the air travel, but the truth is that under his government carbon emissions from aircraft have risen 23 per cent.

"Labour has shown virtually no interest in green issues, introducing only one debate on the subject in Parliament since the last general election.

"It is too late for empty rhetoric. We have even gone past the time for action. It is now time to get radical.

"If Blair really means what he says he’ll scrap the government plans for more roads and airports."

Party Response: Conservative

Michael Howard, Conservative leader said: "We are one of the few countries likely to meet our Kyoto obligations, largely it should be said because of the Conservative-led ‘dash for gas' in the 1990s. We have a privileged relationship with the USA, which leaves us best placed to persuade them into the international fold. We assume the presidency of the G8 and the EU next year. My concern is that we are squandering this opportunity because of our failure to follow up bold rhetoric with action that inspires trust. The instinct of the prime minister is to lecture people. But on his watch CO2 emissions have actually risen. He has set ambitious long-term targets for CO2 emission reductions but few people outside government believe there is a coherent plan for achieving them."

Stakeholder Response: Institute of Directors

Geraint Day, environmental policy adviser at the Institute of Directors, said: "The prime minister is quite right in saying that the Kyoto agreement will not be enough by itself.

"A wide range of measures and research is required. These include energy efficiency measures and the application of new technological developments. Indeed, one way that UK business could contribute and benefit might be in new products that are needed to address many of the issues. Some have suggested that a large co-ordinated programme of research and development might fill some of the requirements. Whatever happens, business, both here and overseas, will be part of the solution.

"Business is often blamed for many of the ills of the world. Businesses have customers, of course. It is, therefore, of interest to note that the government has begun to place more emphasis on the role of the consumer behaviour that influences greenhouse gas emissions.

"We have also been saying for some time that it is also important to deal with the actual effects of climate change, such as working towards improved flood warning and protection.

"We must also not forget the importance of maintaining important infrastructure, as with the utilities. For example, an energy supply mix that does that will be of crucial importance. The government promised last year to keep the options open around any need for nuclear power. The need to deliberate this is still as strong today."

Stakeholder Response: Woodland Trust

Dr James Cooper of the Woodland Trust said: "The recognition of the urgent need to take action to tackle climate change by both Tony Blair and Michael Howard this week is very welcome. We hope that placing the issue at the heart of the