Britain needs new coal-fired power stations because they HELP the environment, a minister claimed yesterday. And John Hutton accused green campaigners opposing them of “gesture politics”. The Government is considering whether to back the first coal power station in 20 years. Business Secretary Mr Hutton said critics believe coal “undermines our leadership on climate change”. But with action on capping emissions, developing carbon capture and storage technology, “the opposite is true”. He said neither renewables nor nuclear can meet demand, especially in winter. “We therefore will continue to need this backup from fossil fuels, with coal a key source.”