|PIC1|Following the release of the new climate change bill, Christian Aid has called it a 'good start' but noted that it 'needs to go further if it is to be effective.'

Secretary of state for the environment David Miliband published the bill yesterday, proposing a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050.

Senior climate policy officer Andrew Pendleton said: "Mr Miliband is to be congratulated for publishing the bill and he is right to be proud of it - he and the government are an example to the rest of the G8.

"But if the final legislation is not significantly stronger, the process would represent a massive lost opportunity. It is the first step on a long journey rather than the destination itself."

Christian Aid wants a cut of at least 80 per cent with annual targets to check progress. They also advocate mandatory reporting of emissions by British companies.

In addition, the charity also wants aviation and shipping emissions to be included within the target.

Ahead of the publication, shadow environment secretary Peter Ainsworth said: "David Cameron has pushed climate change to the top of the political agenda.

"But this is too important an issue for normal party politics. We want to work with the Government and other parties to get the right framework in place. However, we do not want a watered-down Bill."