The UK has met its first carbon budget, which is the first step in fulfilling government's commitment to cut Britain's emissions by 80% to 2050.

Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change Edward Davey said: “We have reached an important milestone today (4 February). The UK has met its first carbon budget, which is the first step in fulfilling our commitment to cut Britain’s emissions by 80% to 2050.

“The increase in emissions in 2012, compared to 2011, is of course worrying – but it needs to be put in the context of higher gas costs that made coal a more attractive fuel for electricity generation, and an increase in residential gas use due a very cold winter.