Are ministers risking life and limb to be ‘greenest government ever’?

Nik Darlington 9.47am

“The Greenest Government Ever.” It was a pledge of the boldest order and it seems that David Cameron’s ministers are willing to risk life and limb to achieve it.

Sources tell me that Theresa Villiers, Minister of State for Transport, has broken her collar bone in a cycling accident.

How this unfortunate turn of events came to pass is unclear, but Egremont can confirm there are currently no reports of Ms Villiers having been hit by the Prime Minister halfway through a three-point turn.

While the quango Cycling England hit the scrap heap in April last year, the Government has made available £560 million for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, which covers cycling.

In November, Ms Villiers said that the Government is “committed to encouraging cycling as a healthy and enjoyable way of getting around.”

The Prime Minister, a keen cyclist himself, will undoubtedly applaud ministers for taking up cycling themselves as part of encouraging healthier lifestyles and lower carbon footprints.

Whether failing to deliver is a sackable offence in this instance will only come to light as more details emerge, however Egremont thinks it a trifle harsh if so and wishes Theresa Villiers a speedy recovery.