The UK Government has committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, up from its previous target of a 60 per cent cut.

Climate Change and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told MPs the Government would not “row back” back from the target.

The move came as European Union leaders agreed to stick to their plan to cut greenhouse gases despite a surprise demand by Poland and six other member states to drop the targets to ease the impact on industry struggling with the global credit crunch.

Conservative shadow climate change secretary Greg Clark praised Mr Miliband’s move.

He said: “The choice between aggressive and ambitious action on carbon reduction and a successful, powerful economy is, in fact, not a choice at all – they are one and the same.”

But the Lib Dems ridiculed the decision not to include aviation and shipping in the targets.

“It’s like telling everyone you’re going on a calorie-controlled diet but not counting cream cakes,” said climate change and energy spokesman Steve Webb.

In Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Business John Swinney welcomed the move: “As a partner to the UK Bill, the Scottish Government supports the UK Government’s decision to amend the UK 2050 target. The Scottish Government is already committed to an 80 per cent reduction so this is in line with the longterm aspirations of our proposed Scottish Climate Change Bill.

“This UK Climate Change Committee’s advice will have a significant bearing on our forthcoming Climate Change Bill which we will bring before Parliament later this year.”