Slowly but surely UK's railways are being electrified, but although switching from diesel to electricity increases energy efficiency considerably we still need to burn a lot of fossil fuel to make electricity. Reducing fossil fuel burn is becoming increasingly urgent and important and in some areas of the country through which trains run the grid can barely cope.

Cumbria MP Tim Farron yesterday evening took part in a discussion panel on environmental issues following the screening of the documentary film 'A Plastic Ocean', which highlights the growing problem of plastic waste in the oceans.

The event, held at the Brewery Arts Centre, saw hundreds of local residents watch a screening of the film which documents the shocking consequences of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment, ecosystems and human health.

The rioting in Hamburg on the occasion of the meeting of the G20 this month highlights the oftentimes violent confrontation that exists between alternative theories of capitalism and socialism, as represented by the established orthodoxy and those that would seek to tear it down.

At the heart of this conflict lies differing interpretations of economic theory, often depicted simplistically as left v right; Keynes v Hayek; socialism v capitalism; social liberalism v economic liberalism; or progressives v conservatives.

Liberal Democrats have today secured support from members of the Council's Environment and Community Scrutiny Committee to create a cross-party working group to look at ways of reducing air pollution in Gloucestershire following publication of an independent report into air pollution levels outside county schools.