During a debate in the Dutch parliament about climate change Environment Minister Jacqueline Cramer has lashed out at climate-sceptic MPs.

The opposition Freedom Party and independent MP Rita Verdonk questioned on Thursday whether there really is such a problem as climate change. Conservative VVD, another opposition party, called for new independent research, pointing to a row over leaked e-mail messages which allegedly prove that scientists manipulated climate figures.

With the backing of a majority of MPs, Ms Cramer resolutely rejected the requests for new research, saying, "If so many scientists draw similar conclusions about global warming, then that is what I base my policies on. Such a wide consensus necessitates action." The minister confirmed that she will continue to rely on data supplied by IPCC, the United Nations climate panel.

Minister Cramer will travel to the Copenhagen summit on Saturday.

Dutch Environment Minister Dr Jacqueline Cramer (ANP Photo)