The Liberal Democrats have challenged the government's environmental record.

The party argued that ministers had failed to tackle key issues including traffic congestion and waste.

Municipal waste has increased by 17 per cent, traffic by nearly eight per cent and domestic energy consumption had risen by almost seven per cent, the Lib Dems claimed.

Environment spokesman Norman Baker accused the government of doing too little too late. "The environment should now be at the heart of government, not out on a limb," he said.

"The government needs to stop talking and start acting. Britain desperately needs better public transport, a zero waste strategy, and proper support for renewable energy sources. And that's just for starters."