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Banning unabated coal a general election priority for Lib Dems

Banning unabated coal generation and promoting renewable energy is a front page priority for the Liberal Democrats, according to party leader Nick Clegg.

The Lib Dems are today launching their general election manifesto front page, which features the five green laws – one of which is banning electricity generation by unabated coal by 2025 – as one of their top five promises.

The pledge – “our environment protected” – states that the party will protect nature and fight climate change.

Speaking later today, Clegg is expected to say: “We need to invest in upgrading out national infrastructure and producing the clean renewable energy that will power our prosperity in the future.

“Making sure our children and grandchildren are not left paying for the mistakes of the generations before them means protecting the air they breathe a mush as the economy they inherit.”

The other five green laws, which were set out in September, include: a Heating and Energy Efficiency Bill – which would create a national programme to raise the energy efficiency standards for all Britain’s households; a Green Transport Bill which would only allow low emission vehicles on the roads from 2040; as well as a Nature Bill and a Zero Waste Britain Bill.

The full Liberal Democrat manifesto will be launched in April.