In a nine point proposal splashed across the front page, the paper suggests New Labour should:

* Set Annual Targets for Emission Reductions: A binding carbon reduction target should be determined by parliament annually and monitored.

* Decentralise Energy Production: Local authorities should be given targets for reducing their carbon footprint.
* Rethink Aviation Policy: Flying should have a radical tax rethink and the government should commit themselves to an EU wide tax.

* Curb Road Pollution: Road tax should be increased and the government should unfreeze the fuel tax escalator.

* Step Up the Drive for Renewable Energy: The renewables target for the national grid should double.

* Insist on Greener Homes: Statutory demands should be made to ensure new houses and offices meet strict energy-efficient targets.

* Fight Inefficiency: Britain should regulate energy wasting products and packaging.

* Reduce Industrial Emissions: The government’s climate-change levy penalises energy use rather than emissions and should be reversed.

* Invest in Green Transport: Britain needs more investment in it’s cycle lane network and public transport infrastructure.

Mr Blair has been criticised from all sides for being too weak to promise tougher action on climate change and many fear his forthcoming bill will be “toothless” and “watered down”. Hopefully The Independent has given him some things to think about.