A government minister has claimed environmentalists are being “unfair” in accusing him of “blocking” emission targets.

Greenpeace activists yesterday unveiled a poster in High Street, Lewes, claiming transport minister Norman Baker was “blocking” car laws which would “save you money and protect the environment”.

In response, Mr Baker, who is also MP for Lewes, said: “It is quite wrong of Greenpeace to make unfair and inaccurate allegations of this nature.

I am not trying to water down this legislation. On the contrary – as always and as I have throughout my political career, I am trying to get the most sensible result for the environment.

“Greenpeace, in their campaigns, should challenge those who don’t care about the environment, rather than those who do.”

It comes as the Department for Transport is in negotiations for emission targets for 2020 and 2025.

Mr Baker said: “We are not in principle against setting a tough 2025 target, but to do so now risks setting industry an overly generous target.

“Greenpeace should withdraw these allegations.”