I am sometimes told on the doorstep that ‘Labour has done nothing on the environment’ . I completely disagree. I believe Labour’s record to date is impressive, but it is only the beginning. With Labour, recycling has quadrupled, we have become the world’s leading producer of offshore wind-power, greenhouse emissions have fallen by 66 million tonnes since 1997, and 5 million houses have received help with their insulation in the last six years. We are the first country in the world to have legally-binding environmental targets, and have been leaders in establishing an emissions trading system that will ensure we meet those targets. We have insisted that aviation is included in the European system. If re-elected, we will make the transition to a low carbon economy our top priority.

Labour’s Warm Front programme provides a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of £3,500 (or £6,000 where oil, low carbon or renewable technologies are recommended). I remain to be convinced that the City council has taken full advantage and suspect that Cambridge residents have not had the full benefit.

I am a committed environmentalist and currently serve on the National Executive of SERA - an organisation which promotes sustainable environmental policies within government and the Labour Party. I am also a member of Labour's Policy Commission on Environmental issues which is led by Ed Miliband.

The publication of the Stern Report was a key moment. Climate Change is real and we need to address it. The UK is well ahead of Kyoto targets thanks to this government, but we cannot be complacent. We have insisted that all new homes will be zero-carbon from 2016.  Over the next 3 years, our policies will mean that a further 5 million households will be helped with insulation, that 100 million low energy light bulbs will be given out; and other energy saving products will be provided to 4 million homes. I am encouraged that local institutions such as schools are leading the way. I recently visited Mayfield Primary, which has installed solar panels and smart electricity meters.

There is huge interest in Cambridge on environmental issues. We possess a dynamic community whose dedication to solving climate change and pioneering the technological innovations to do so should be the envy of all. The biggest public meeting attended by political candidates in recent times was the pre Copenhagen debate at the United Reform Church last November. As I told the packed meeting, our decisions must always be based on sound science, particularly in a city that has made such contributions to our scientific understanding.