Environment Secretary David Miliband said climate change legislation will put in place a credible long-term goal and framework for emissions reductions which will provide a firm basis on which business could plan ahead.

The climate change legislation will comprise four key elements:

*put the 60 per cent reduction by 2050 into statute

*establish an independent body

*create enabling powers to put in place new emissions reduction measures needed to achieve goals.

* improve monitoring and reporting arrangements, including how the government reports to Parliament.

He said: "This legislation will enable the UK to benefit economically by becoming a leading low carbon economy ahead of our competitors.The legislation will also demonstrate the UK 's commitment to taking action at home and so strengthen our ability to be global leaders in developing a future global climate change framework."