Between the Broadsheets

A Labour MP has demanded a public inquiry into the "very, very close co-operation" between the Government and the company planning to build Britain's first coal-fired power station for more than 20 years.
Environmental groups reacted furiously when John Hutton, the Business Secretary, signalled his likely support for a new generation of plants burning fossil fuels, starting with a power station at Kingsnorth, North Kent.
The area's MP, Robert Marshall-Andrews, denounced Mr Hutton's stance and claimed there had been collusion between his department and E.ON UK, the energy giant that wants to develop the Kingsnorth site - The Independent

Three Gulf States - Qatar, Kuwait and Oman - are expected to sign up soon to a World Bank programme aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions by finding commercial uses for natural gas that is still burned, or flared, as a by-product of oil production.
Amid growing awareness of climate change and the need to conserve resources for their expanding water and power needs, Gulf States are seeking ways to reduce their huge environmental footprint. Qatar and Kuwait are among the world's top carbon dioxide emitters per capita, according to recent US statistics. - The Financial Times

Sam Laidlaw, chief executive of British Gas owner Centrica, has hit back at government plans to impose controls on pre-payment tariffs for gas and electricity. The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, is expected to use his first Budget this week to force companies to cap bills for those in fuel poverty. The measure is part of a package being discussed with companies and comes after talks last week failed to reach a conclusion. - The Daily Telegraph

The government has been criticised for its "confusing" climate change policy after ministers signalled support for a new coal-fired power station as a committee was launched to ensure that by 2050 the UK reduces carbon emissions by 60%.
Business secretary John Hutton said power generation from fossil fuels would continue to play a key role despite the planned expansion of nuclear and renewable power. He said ministers had yet to decide whether to let German energy giant E.ON go ahead with a giant power plant at Kingsnorth, Kent, and whether the company would be required to commit itself to the use of carbon capture storage (CCS) technology as a condition of the licence. - The Guardian