Blair names Porritt as environmental advisor

Top green campaigner Jonathon Porritt has been appointed by Tony Blair as a key adviser.

The 50-year-old former Friends of the Earth director, who is currently director of Forum for the Future, will chair the new Sustainable Development Commission, which is to examine ways of boosting economic growth without causing pollution.

Announcing the move, the Prime Minister said: "Jonathon has been one of the most prominent voices promoting green and quality of life issues over the last 25 years.

"He is deeply committed to sustainable development and has been particularly influential in working with the business community to take the agenda forward - experience which will stand him in good stead as chair of the commission.

"As we reap the benefits of continuing economic growth, we must combine them with the creation of a fairer society and a cleaner environment.

"By continuing to make progress domestically, we will also help ensure that the UK can remain at the forefront of the world push for sustainable development.

"Jonathon and the commission will have a crucial part to play in bringing this about."

Mr Porritt said it would be a "massive challenge both for myself and my fellow commissioners to resolve difficult issues and propose solutions".

The commission's role will be to promote sustainable development across all sectors of the economy, review progress, and build agreement on ways of achieving further progress.

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