TAUNTON Deane MP Rebecca Pow is urging the Prime Minister to accept steep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions required by the UK's 'fifth carbon budget'.

The country's emissions must fall by 57 per cent below 1990 levels by 2032 under targets set by the Committee on Climate Change, which advises ministers on how to meet the UK's target of cutting them by 80 per cent by mid-century.

Ms Pow is among 20 Conservative MPs who have signed a letter pleading with David Cameron to abide by the recommendations.

In it they said: "(The carbon budget) is tailored to meeting our carbon obligations at the lowest possible cost and with the highest ancillary gains,.

“Early and full acceptance of that advice will give investors and government the confidence to act and so maintain this government’s proud record of lower emissions combined with sustained economic growth.”

Ms Pow said: "As a member of the Environmental Audit Committee, I felt it was important to join other MPs to make a strong statement that climate change is a problem that cannot wait."