With a bit of co-operation between Martin and his opposite numbers, a bill was produced that all three parties could support and duly became law as the Charities Act 2006.  He also worked on the Criminal Justice Act 2006, during the passage of which he called for clearer and more consistent sentencing.

He was also appointed to the Communities and Local Government committee, a ‘select committee’ that scrutinised the work of the government department responsible for housing and planning – including the Regional Spatial Strategies that look set to have such a big impact on Cheltenham.  In 2007, he switched to the Environmental Audit Committee, an influential select committee that can investigate the environmental impact of any aspect of government policy.  Since Martin joined, the committee has called for a tougher Climate Change Act, the suspension of Regional Spatial Strategies and challenging plans for new coal-fired power stations.

In 2006, he was appointed as his party’s junior environment minister and since 2007 has spoken out on the impact of flooding in Gloucestershire and the rest of the country.  He championed changes to the Energy Act 2008 to promote renewable energy and together with colleague Steve Webb Martin tabled the key amendment to the Climate Change Act 2008 strengthening the target for UK greenhouse gas emission reductions to 80% by 2050.  He has also used the position to champion animal welfare including the reduction of animal research, the banning of wild animals in circuses and the microchipping of pet dogs.

He has also taken up two posts on all-party parliamentary groups: he is secretary of the associate parliamentary group on corporate responsibility, which encourages companies to improve their social, ethical and environmental performance; and he is the chair and founder of the all-party parliamentary group for tribal peoples.