A group of Greenwich politicians are urging the council to pull funds out of fossil fuel investments.

Labour council candidate for Greenwich West, Mehboob Khan, has brokered a meeting between Greenwich Council and Divest Greenwich, which is campaigning for the council to divest in fossil fuels.

The group will present an open letter supporting divestment, signed by Greenwich parliamentary and council candidates from the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Labour.

Mr Khan said: "I'm hoping that public sector pension funds can lead the way using their financial muscle in divesting from fossil fuels, freeing up funds for renewable energy.

"I'm very pleased that Greenwich Council has agreed to my proposed meeting."

The council currently has around £17m invested in companies associated with the exploration or extraction of fossil fuels.

This information was revealed as a result of a question from a Green Party member at a council meeting in March.

Green party candidate for Greenwich West, Dr Robin Stott, previously stated the council were risking taxpayers money in investments in fossil fuels.

He added: "If the council has now seen the error of its ways, nobody will be more pleased than me.

"Cynics may wonder if this sudden conversion is a result of the strenuous campaign the Green Party is fighting to gain our first seat on Greenwich Council.

"I worry that if a miraculous conversion to Green investment policies can take place the week before an election, it could equally miraculously vanish the week after one."

Divestment Greenwich campaign coordinator Justin Fisher said: "We are delighted that candidates from three different parties have all agreed to pledge their support to this campaign.

"We are looking forward to meeting with the Council to explain why it is ethically and financially imperative that Greenwich Council Pension Fund divests."