Blair and Bush advisers at war

George Bush's environmental adviser today launched a savage attack on Britain's chief scientist for suggesting that global warming threatened the planet.

Myron Ebell, director of global warming at the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington, said that Sir David King's warnings on climate change were "ridiculous" and "alarmist".

Sir David created controversy earlier this year when he said that global warming was a more important issue than the war on terror. He warned that flooding, droughts and extreme weather were on their way unless urgent action was taken.

But in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Ebell said the warning that climate change was the greatest crisis for humanity was based on "a tissue of improbabilities": "We have people who know nothing-about climate science like Sir David King, who are alarmist and continually promote this ridiculous claim," he said.

Mr Ebell said there was no prospect of the US signing up to the Kyoto Treaty to cut atmospheric pollution and claimed that the European Union was using the issue to attack America's economic superiority.

He said that it was "pretty obviously and explicitly" the mission of the EU to "get America".

Just one day after the President-was re-elected, such strong words from one of Mr Bush's chief advisers will severely embarrass Tony Blair.

Congratulating the President on his victory last night, Mr Blair called for a new push in the Middle East peace process and urged Mr Bush and European leaders to "build anew" their alliance: "All of us have a responsibility to rise to this challenge," said Mr Blair.

He has also put action on climate change at the top of his

agenda as chairman of the G8 group of world leaders next year.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw today admitted that there was a "big disagreement" between Britain and the US over the issue

"We have a big job to do, not only with the government of the United States but also with the people to explain to them why we believe it is everybody's interests to move on climate change," he said.

Mr Ebell's words signal that the second Bush administration is likely to be as aggressive in pushing its Right-wing agenda as the first.

That stance was confirmed in Washington today. Although Mr Bush struck a conciliatory note in his victory speech - appealing to Democrats to join him - the Bush camp said he is determined to push through his plans.

Over the next few days, Mr Bush will consider new appointments to his inner circle. Attorney General John Ashcroft and Secretary of State Colin Powell are both expected to leave the administration. National security adviser Condoleezza Rice has been tipped for promotion.

Mr Bush used his victory speech to outline a domestic agenda. "We will reform our tax code," he said. "We'll strengthen social security for the next generation. We'll make public schools all they can be. And we'll uphold our deepest values of family and faith."

Mr Bush called for the country to unite after a bitter contest. To opponents, he appealed: "To make this nation stronger and better, I will need your support, and I will work to earn it. I will do all I can do to deserve your trust."