Pitfalls for the new administration

Election manifestos are rarely worth mining for the substance of the policies which the victor will need in the real world, and this year's offerings on the environment from the main parties are no exception (see pp 33-35 ). True, there is clarity from the Conservatives about some of what they would abolish, and some specific - if not always believable - green promises from the Liberal Democrats. From Labour there is much existing policy, but very little new on offer.