WIRRAL MEP Chris Davies is calling for the head of the scientific body that assesses evidence of global warming to step down.

Mr Davies claims the conclusions of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have not been shaken by recent criticisms, but admits that political will for action has been weakened.

He is calling for IPCC chairman Rajendra Pachauri to offer his resignation to assist the organisation in regaining its authority.

Mr Davies said: "Trust in the independence and absolute integrity of the IPCC's conclusions is vital if politicians are to have public support for the actions that must be taken to combat global warming.

"Dr Pachauri has been targeted by climate change deniers with commercial interests to defend. It may be unfair but damage has been done."

Despite cold weather in Britain and Northern Europe, across the world as a whole it was the second-hottest January since surface temperatures were first measured 130 years ago.

Mr Davies commented: "If true it will be a reminder that short term changes in local weather bear no relation to long term changes in global climate. While we freeze, others boil."