UK has 'lost world climate leadership role' by axing domestic green policies

Leading scientists and former ministers say the country has undermined its record as a world leader on climate change and is 'moving backwards'

The UK has given up its leadership role at the UN climate talks in Paris and is "moving backwards" with a string of cuts to green domestic policies, according to Prof Anne Glover, the former chief scientific adviser to the European commission.

Her comments were endorsed by business people, NGOs, an ex-diplomat and two former ministers who are worried that the government is squandering the UK's international standing on climate issues.