BURY North MP James Frith has added his name to a cross-party letter calling on the Prime Minister to introduce a net zero emissions target ahead of 2050.

More than 150 MPs and 50 members of the House of Lords have signed the letter so far, from across the House of Commons.

It is hoped that a net zero emissions target would cut energy bills by improving the efficiency of homes and businesses, get rid of the exhaust pipe emissions that pollute the air and help to bring about the restoration of natural habitats so they become stores of carbon, from forests to peatlands.

Mr Frith said: "Labour introduced the landmark Climate Change Act in 2008 but we now need to go even further.

"I'm proud to join MPs from all parties in supporting the net zero emissions target and hope the Prime Minister will listen.

"We can have a greener Britain with cleaner air - and by making a clean break from harmful emissions, we’ll be sending a signal to our friends and allies around the world that Britain is shouldering our responsibility and leading the fight against climate change."