CLIMATE experts and green campaigners have criticised one of the region's Euro MPs for describing global warming as a “highly debatable theory”.Jeffrey Titford, one of the leading figures in the UK Independence Party, has written that ministers were in danger of getting climate change “out of all proportion” and that the “endless repetition of doom-laden predictions” would give the European Parliament the chance to impose “needless restrictions” on the British way of life.

By Graham Dines

CLIMATE experts and green campaigners have criticised one of the region's Euro MPs for describing global warming as a “highly debatable theory”.

Jeffrey Titford, one of the leading figures in the UK Independence Party, has written that ministers were in danger of getting climate change “out of all proportion” and that the “endless repetition of doom-laden predictions” would give the European Parliament the chance to impose “needless restrictions” on the British way of life.

In his regular Letter from Europe column in yesterday's East Anglian Daily Times, he argued: “The proponents of the highly-debatable theory that the world is getting hotter because of man's emissions of greenhouse gases seem to be relying on endless repetition of doom-laden predictions to induce hysteria leading to Government action.”

“It is creating opportunities for the British Government and the real government in Brussels to push through an agenda (which) may end up costing us huge amounts of extra taxation and needless restrictions on our way of life.

“Statistically, the facts are that the rise in temperature over the past century, 0.6C (plus or minus 0.2C) is far from exceptional, and that clouds and water vapour are far more significant presences in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.”

However, Dr Tim Osborn of the internationally renowned climatic research unit at the University of East Anglia, said although a 0.6C rise in one part of the world might not be significant, universally across the globe it was leading to weather changes and rising sea levels which would not happen without the increase in greenhouse gasses.

“The world is warming up,” said Dr Osborn. “There is basic evidence - greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere are leading to global warming. There can be no uncertainty.”

James Abbott of The Green Party said atmospheric physicists and climate researchers, with no political axe to grind, were warning of impending catastrophe unless action was taken. “Climate change and carbon dioxide emissions are very serious indeed.”

Liberal Democrat Euro MP Andrew Duff, whose party is calling for green taxes to ensure the polluter pays, called Mr Titford's intervention “extraordinary” which would put him at odds with the overwhelming majority of MEPs and the public throughout Europe.

“Europe's policy on climate change and its campaigning on the issue strike a chord with ordinary people. It is very popular and has marginalised the UK Independence Party,” said Mr Duff.

The Government is expected to outline proposals for a carbon emissions Bill in tomorrow's Queen's speech.