Leading business groups, including the Advertising Association, Business In The Community, Food and Drink Federation, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and RenewableUK, have urged Conservative Party leadership candidates to support the millions of people facing fuel poverty.
In an open letter, the groups also call on the next Prime Minister to implement manifesto commitments on net zero and nature restoration.
The letter states:
In today’s challenging context, an accelerated rollout of low cost, clean energy, energy efficiency, and industrial decarbonisation is vital to protect the UK from the volatile global fuel prices underpinning the ongoing energy crisis.
This is an urgent priority as skyrocketing energy bills inflict considerable costs on businesses and push ever more households into fuel poverty.
Eliot Whittington, Director, UK Corporate Leaders Group said:
The Conservative Party has a significant track record of climate leadership. Their new leader will have a choice between building on this track record and delivering for the UK economy and society or abandoning it and condemning the country to fall behind on the energy transition and face unnecessary costs and risks.
Forward looking businesses want more, not less, ambition on climate action, especially as we see the ramifications of volatile fossil fuel supply chains ramping up the cost-of-living crisis and reducing regional energy security.
The next Prime Minister must centre climate policy and continue delivery of net zero and regenerating the UK’s nature.
Julie Hirigoyen, CEO, UK Green Building Council said:
As prices soar businesses are looking for the next Prime Minister to deliver on the UK’s legal climate commitments, not ditch them.
Tackling the climate and cost of living crises are two sides of the same coin. Insulating our homes and businesses will bring bills down, bolster energy security and help achieve net zero carbon, whilst giving a real boost to the economy and industry.
Sandy Begbie CBE, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Financial Enterprise said:
Whoever succeeds Mr Johnson as Prime Minister will face significant challenges, particularly tackling the cost of living crisis, accelerating economic recovery and addressing the pressing climate emergency.