Charles Walker calls for reassurances that we can maintain the UK's global competitiveness as well as reducing our carbon emissions.

Mr. Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): Will the Secretary of State accept that, as we reduce our carbon emissions, it will be critical to maintain the UK's global competitiveness so that we can still create wealth, which runs the NHS, and jobs, which support families?

Mr. Darling: Yes, but I do not think that the two are competing objectives. We can and should have an economy that is competitive, but that also takes account of the environmental consequences of climate change. One of the central findings of the Stern report was that there is an economic cost to doing nothing. It is far more efficient and effective to take action to tackle climate change, which will, in turn, help us to maintain our competitive position. There is not a polarisation of views there. That is one of the points that I put to members of a high level group in Brussels today-some of whom, coming from other countries in Europe, seemed to think that there was a choice to make. I think that that is a false choice and I am glad that the hon. Gentleman agrees.

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