The green credentials of Conservatives in Essex were found wanting today after they initially refused to accept a motion calling on Essex County Council to sign the Nottingham Declaration, which commits the council to action on climate change. The Tories also failed to commit to publishing an action plan, within a year, stating their proposals for dealing with climate change and cutting CO2 emissions.

The motion's proposer, county councillor Mike Mackrory, Liberal Democrats deputy leader, said:

"It is no longer acceptable for the Conservatives at Essex County Council to talk the talk but delay in making a real commitment to tackle climate change. The Conservatives must realise that being environmentally conscious means taking real action to achieve real goals; it is not just about giving pretty speeches with all the right buzz words that make them feel good about themselves but achieve nothing.

The effects of climate change are now well documented and urgent action is needed if we are to hold back the consequences of climate change on our community. That is the basis of the Nottingham Declaration. We have given the administration 12 months to come up with a strategy for meeting the challenges of climate change here in Essex and they have failed to commit to doing that."

Local authorities have a crucial role to play in taking direct local action on climate change and The Nottingham Declaration provides a framework for councils to make a practical commitment. To date about 140 local authorities around the UK have signed the Declaration.

After the debate the Conservatives conceded that they would sign the Declaration in the future. The Liberal Democrats will keep the pressure on until they do.