Tim Yeo

Tim Yeo has set out the Conservative "road map" to a low carbon economy.

In a keynote speech on Monday, the shadow environment secretary pledged to put Britain back on track to meet its Kyoto protocol targets.

A second priority would be securing international agreement on the way forward beyond Kyoto, he said.

Yeo said he was personally committed to protecting the environment, and was becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of global warming.

The shadow spokesman also called for an end to "warm words" on the issue and criticised the government for its addiction to rhetoric and targets without a coherent and credible plan of action.

Tories "will not fall into the same trap", he said.

"The Conservative Party wants Britain to put its house in order and, together with the EU, seize an historic opportunity of leadership on climate change," he said.

"Reduced carbon emissions need not come at the expense of economic development.

"We must become more efficient in our use of energy and develop the markets for technology that can transform our use of natural resources. 

"To engage business and consumers we must talk less of cost and sacrifice and more of benefits and opportunities."

Once in office, Yeo pledged to publish an annual report on progress in reducing carbon emissions.

There would also be action to improve energy efficiency via a "dynamic market based mechanism".

"A road map towards zero emissions on new homes will be developed with industry," he added.

Yeo also indicated that a future Conservative government would be prepared to use the tax system to promote environmentally friendly behaviour.

The first Budget of an incoming Tory administration would cut vehicle excise duty on low-carbon emitting vehicles, he has announced.

And the owners of the most "green" cars would pay no duty at all.