Bush should be made understand ‘‘actions have consequences’’

British Cabinet ministers have told Tony Blair to take on US president George W Bush over his rejection of global warming controls, it was reported today.

Senior ministers arguing for confrontation with America over Mr Bush’s back-peddling on the Kyoto climate change treaty was dismissed as ‘‘ridiculous’’ by Downing Street.

But Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is leading calls for a hard line stance following Bush’s rejection of the treaty.

Mr Prescott reportedly wants threats to end co-operation on world trade, national missile defence and event British support for the US stand against China.

There has been widespread European outrage at Mr Bush’s decision to turn his back on the Kyoto agreements aimed at ending global warming.

And Mr Prescott apparently heads a squad of senior ministers who believe Mr Blair had been too soft with the new American president.

Mr Bush should be made to understand ‘‘that actions have consequences’’.

The report comes after Mr Prescott launched a public attacked of Mr Bush’s decision on Kyoto last week.

His anger is said to be shared by International Development Secretary Clare Short and, to a lesser extent, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.