Energy and Climate Change Minister Amber Rudd has been barred by her government from attending the COP climate change talks in Peru this week.

Michael Gove, Commons Chief Whip barred Ms Rudd who was due to be in Lima today, instead she will remain in the UK to take part in a Commons vote on counter terrorism measures.

Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change will attend the COP20  talks without Ms Rudd.

Ms Rudd said: “This Government is committed to working towards reaching a global deal on tackling serious climate change. In September, along with the Prime Minister, I personally attended the UN Climate Summit in New York and regularly engage with NGOs, businesses and my ministerial counterparts to discuss this important issue.

“The UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, will represent the British Government at the Lima Climate Change Conference.”

The failure of the Tory minister to attend the talks is being seen by some as a snub to Conservative support for the green agenda once so central to their core beliefs.