The Business Group Alliance for Net Zero has this morning sent a letter to Boris Johnson urging him to align economic and fiscal policy with its decarbonisation strategy. The letter also warns that the UK government’s failure to act decisively on climate change will carry much greater risks and costs.

The group of over 80 UK businesses, includes BT, Coca-Cola, Allianz, Tesco, JLL, Unilever, the Co-op and Heathrow.

Allianz Holdings CEO Jon Dye said: “There is no more questioning the climate urgency and Allianz is already supporting the net-zero transition. If the UK government takes the right decisions now, the investments and policies we’re rolling out as a business will have an even greater impact on protecting our planet’s future.”

The letter states: “A successful summit that achieves the UK Presidency’s goals requires strong UK leadership combining effective diplomacy with credible outcomes, including international solidarity with countries lacking the resources to tackle these challenges alone.

“The countdown to COP26 gives you a limited window to show such leadership. You must seize key opportunities like the upcoming Net Zero Strategy. To get results across the economy, this strategy will need strong support from HM Treasury through the Net Zero and Comprehensive Spending Reviews. You will also need to align other government policies and action across transport, housing, our natural environment and our international aid budget.

“As businesses invested in the future of the UK, we know these steps can deliver long-term benefits for people, nature and climate. We call for an ambitious strategy from government with a clear timetable, detailed policy measures, market mechanisms and messaging on a sector-by-sector basis.”

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