Major energy U-turn needed to meet Paris targets, government warned

Conservatives' attacks on wind, solar and other 'clean' technologies has undermined ability to meet CO₂ targets, experts say

The government has been warned that a major U-turn in energy policy is required if it is to avoid charges of blatant hypocrisy following the commitments it made in the Paris climate deal this weekend. Critics say that the first test for Amber Rudd, the energy and climate change secretary, will come later this week, when she announces whether or not she plans to go ahead with a proposed 90% cut in solar subsidies.

Business leaders, academics and environmentalists all believe that a series of attacks on wind, solar and other "clean" technologies since the general election have undermined Britain's ability to meet new CO₂ targets.