MP saves energy and composts waste (From Witney Gazette)

MP saves energy and composts waste

8:47am Sunday 19th November 2006 in Witney

BORIS Johnson appears to have abandoned any hope the planet can be saved from climate chaos.

The Henley MP, who only recently said it was a very good thing we should be green', seemed to suffer a crisis of confidence when asked to name the personal steps he had taken to help combat global warming.

Responding to a survey of MPs by travel guide company Rough Guides, the Tory spokesman for higher education said: "I have to admit I'm baffled. According to the scientist James Lovelock the problem is already so bad there is nothing we can do."

Mr Johnson's characteristically off-message verdict risks embarrassing his boss, Tory leader and Witney MP, David Cameron, whose own response to the survey included a plea for everyone to 'do their bit'. Mr Cameron, who has placed an enthusiasm for environmental issues at the heart of his mission to rebrand the Conservatives as a more caring party, is already known for his fondness for cycling.

He told Rough Guides he was adapting his West London house to be 'more energy efficient, using roof-top solar panels. And he recycles and composts waste - both in London and at his constituency home, near Chipping Norton. Mr Cameron said: "I am taking the steps we can all take to make a difference - like trying not to overfill the kettle, buying energy-saving lightbulbs, and switching my energy supplier to a renewable source, through climatechange.com.

"As an MP and party leader, I've encouraged our members and supporters to take similar steps.

"We are all in this together, and everyone of us must do our bit."