At a meeting of Full Council of Essex County Council today, 13 October, the ruling Conservative group voted down a Liberal Democrat proposal for Essex County Council to join the 10:10 Campaign, which seeks to deliver 10% cuts in carbon dioxide emissions during 2010. The 10:10 Campaign is backed by the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parliamentary front benches and is also supported by many councils and significant organisations such as Microsoft, O2 and NHS Trusts.

Councillor Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, commented: "I am extremely disappointed at the complacent attitude and decision of the Conservatives not to join the 10:10 Campaign. One of the aims of the campaign is to galvanise action by individuals, with 40% of the UK's CO2 emissions being a result of personal choice. The County Council, as a community leader, is in an excellent position to lead by example and encourage businesses and individuals to make the same commitment. Sadly, an important opportunity has been missed."